THE 

AVALONIAN  GUIDE 

&c. 


THE 


TO    THE    TOWN    OF 


GLASTONBURY, 


• 

AND    ITS 


ENVIRONS. 


"  Why  dost  thou  build  the  hall,  son  of  the  winged  days? 
'Tliou  lookest  from  thy  towers  to-day ;  yet  a  few  years,  and 
'  the  blast  of  the  desart  comes ;  it  howls  in  thy  empty  court, 

and  whistles  round  thy  half-worn  shield." 

OSSIAK. 

"  The  cloud-cap'd  towers,  the  gorgeous  palaces, 
"The  solemn  temples,  the  great  globe  itself, 
"Yea,  all  which  it  inherit,  shall  dissolve; 
"  And,  like  the  baseless  fabrick  of  a  vision, 
"  Leave  not  a  wreck  behind." 

SHAKESPBABI. 


SECOND    EDITION. 


Printed  for  and  sold  by  J.  WAKEFIELD,  at  the  White  Hart 

inn,  GLASTONBURY, 

By  J.  POOLE,  Printer,  Bookseller,  &c. 

BRIDGWATER. 

1814. 


.     . 


PREFACE. 

GLASTONBURY  being  a  town  of  great 
antiquity,  in  a  situation  naturally 
beautiful  and  interesting,  renders  a 
book  of  this  kind  extremely  eligible; 
whereof  many  editions  have  been 
published  under  the  title  of  "T%e 
History  and  Antiquities  of  Glaston- 
bury,3'  on  which  the  present  publi- 
cation is  an  improvement;,  being  des- 
criptive as  well  as  historical,  which 
the  topographical  situation  of  the 
town  requires,  particularly  since  the 
late  improvements  in  the  abbey-close, 

3 

13071 5)3 


VI  PREFACE. 

and  in  St.  Magdalene  street,  from 
whence  an  open  view  is  now  obtain- 
ed of  the  ruins  of  Glastonbury  abbey, 
formerly  the  occasional  residence  of 
royalty,  the  protection  of  genius  and 
learning,  and  the  repository  of  the 
erudition  of  monastic  times. 

The  site  of  this  abbey  and  its  en- 
virons, (including  the  town  of  Glas- 
tonbury and  the  adjacent  hills,)  was 

formerly  insular,  and  called  the  Js- 

j  ' 

land  of  Avalon,  or  Avalonia;  from 
whence  this  book  is  entitled  "The 
Avalonian  Guide  &c."  to  which  is 
prefixed  an  "  Historical  Introducti- 
on/' compiled  from  the  works  of 
Cambden,  Grosse,  Dugdale,  God- 
win, and  other  historians,  who  have 


PREFACE.  VII 

written  on  the  foundation,  advance- 
ment, and  dissolution  of  this  ancient 
mitred  abbey:  a  description  of  the 
present  state  of  whose  extensive  ru- 
ins, occupies  a  considerable  portion 
of  "The  Avalonian  Guide  to  the  town 
of  Glastonbury  and  its  environs;" 
which  is  respectfully  dedicated  to  the 
Public. 


G  L  ASTONBURY,  founded  by  the 
ancient  Britons,  was  called  gm'&mttttt, 
(which  signified,  the  place  of  transparent 
water,)  either  from  the  numerous  springs 
in  its  environs,  or  from  its  isolated  sit- 
uation, on  a  cluster  of  hills,  extremely 
fertile  and  verdant,  called  the  Island  of 
Avalon*  or  Avalonia,  surrounded  with 
an  extensive  marsh,  which  was  general- 
ly covered  with  water,  and  occasionally 
overflowed  by  the  tides  of  the  Bristol 
chanuel-t 

*  From  the  British  word  Avale,  signifying  Apple. 

t  The  extensive  valley  surrounding  the  ancient 
Island  of  Atalon,  is  still  subject  to  laud-floods;  aud, 


10   HISTORICAL  INTRODUCTION. 

Soon  after  the  Roman  invasion,  Si, 
Philip,  the  apostle,  being-  desirous  of 
extending  the  Christian  religion,  chose 
eleven  of  his  disciples,  over  whom  he 
set  his  friend,  Joseph  of  Arimathea, 
and  sent  them  to  Britain,  where  they 
received  great  encouragement  from  the 
British  king,  Arviragus,  and  permission 
to  build  a  chapel  in  the  island  of  Avalon, 
(which  was  then  a  part  of  his  territory,) 
where  they  resided,  and  converted  many 
of  the  Britons  to  the  Christian  faith. 
A.  D.  31  * 


at  no  very  distant  period,  was  inundated  by  a  flood 
from  the  Bristol  channel,  in  consequence  of  a  high 
spring-tide,  assisted  by  a  strong  wind  from  the 
south  west,  breaking  over  the  sea  walls.  'Tin* 
circumstance  is  recorded  in  St.  Benedict's  church, 
at  Glastonbury,  in  the  following  words:  "The 
"breach  of  the  sea-flood  was  January  20th.  160<i." 

*  According  to  tradition,  "  the  island  of  Avalon 
"  br-ing  surrounded  by  the  sea,  St.  Joseph  of  Arima- 
"  theaand  his  companions  landed  near  Glastonbury, 
"  and  ascended  a  hill,  (  on  the  south  west  side  of 
"  the  town, )  where,  resting  themselves  on  the 
"eastern  eminence,  St.  Joseph  said,  we  are  weary 
"  all;  and,  at  the  same  time,  struck  his  walking 
"  staff  of  hawthorn  into  the  ground,  and  left  it  there, 
"  so  that  it  took  root  and  blossomed;  not  only  at 
"  tiie  utaial  time,  but  also  on  Christmas  day,  every 


HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION.         ] J 

After  the  decease  of  St.  Joseph  and 
his  companions,  the  Christian  religion 
declined  in  Britain,  but  was  revived  A. 
D.  166,  by  an  application  made  by  the 
British  king,  Lucius,  to  Eleutherius, 
bishop  of  Rome,  who  accordingly  sent 


"  ensuing  year;  which  was  considered  by  the  Bri- 
"  tons  as  a  miraculous  proof  of  his  divine  mission.'' 
The  aforesaid  hill  is  to  this  day  called  weary  all  lull; 
on  the  eastern  eminence  of  which,  (the  spot  where 
tradition  says  St.  Joseph  planted  his  staff, )  formerly 
stood  an  old  hawthorn  tree,  which  blossomed  twice 
a  year,  ( in  the  Spring  and  in  the  Winter,)  and  was 
called  the  holy  thorn,  from  an  encouraged  opinion 
that  it  was  originally  produced  from  St.  Joseph's 
staff":  therefore  one  of  these  thorns  was  constantly 
preserved  on  this  spot,  by  grafts  or  buds,  until  so 
late  as  the  political  commotions  in  the  reign  of 
Charles  I.  when  the  tree,  being  considered  a  relick 
of  papistry,  was  nearly  destroyed  by  a  soldier. 
(  Who,  according  to  tradition,  was  killed  by  a 
splinter  flying  from  it.)  About  the  year  1740,  the 
stump  or  root  of  this  tree  was  to  be  seen:  but  there 
is  nothing  of  it  now  remaining,  except  some  grafts 
from  it,  glowing  in  various  places;  the  oldest  of 
them  stands  near  St.  John's  churchyard,  at  Glas- 
•tonbury,  and  is  a  large  tree,  which  continues  to 
blossom  twice  a  year.  But  it  is  the  opinion  of  many, 
that  the  tradition  relating  to  this  thorn,  Originated 
in  a  monastic  fable,  and  that  the  tree  was  originally 
imported;  as  it  is  asserted  by  several  botanists, 
that  hawthorns  imported  from  an  opposite  climate, 
will  continue  to  blossom  in  their  natural  season, 
and  again  when  the  season  comes  on  in  this  coun- 
try, which  may  be  live  or  six  months  later. 


12        HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION. 

Phaganus  and  Diruvianus,  who  travel- 
ed through  Britain,  and  came  to  the 
island  of  Avalon,  where  they  repaired 
the  chapel,  (built  by  St.  Joseph  arid 
his  companions,)  and  settled  there  with 
twelve  of  their  disciples,  forming  a 
retired  monastic  society,  and  founded  a 
small  chapel,  dedicated  to  St.  Michael, 
on  the  top  of  the  adjacent  hill.* 

After  some  considerable  time,  St.  Pa- 
trick became  the  superior  of  this  society, 
introduced  a  more  exact  discipline,  and 
built  the  first  abbey  church  in  the  island 
of  Avalon,  which  he  dedicated  to  St. 
Mary,  and  was  elected  abbot  thereof  A . 
D.  425.  He  also  rebuilt  St.  Michael's 
chapel  on  the  Tor;  and  dying  A.  D. 
47*2,  was  succeeded  by  his  disciple,  St. 
Beniguus. 


This  abbey,  from  its  being  the  reput- 
ed burial  place  of  Joseph  of  Arimathea, 
and  from  other  causes,  soon  became 


*  N«-w  called  the  Tor,  from  the  Saxon  word  tor 

it  tuiU'l', 


HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION.        13 

famous,  and  was  resorted  to  by  many 
great  and  learned  persons;  one  of  whom 
was  Gildas  the  historian,  who  died  A. 
D.  512,  and  was  buried  in  the  abbey 
church,  near  the  altar. 

During  the  Saxon  heptarchy,  the 
kingdom  of  Wessex  (  and  consequently 
the  island  of  Avalon)  became  subject 
to  the  government  of  king  Ina,  who 
visited  Glastonbury,*  and  made  great 
benefactions  to  the  church  of  St.  Mary; 
to  the  eastward  of  which  he  founded 
mid  dedicated  a  larger  church  to  the 
apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  A.  D.  725. 

This  abbey  was  afterwards  consider- 
ably benefited  by  other  Saxon  kings, 
and  was  subjected  to  the  order  of  St. 
Benedict,  by  St.  Dimstan,  elected  ab- 
bot thereof  A.  D.  93G. 

At  the  Norman  conquest,  many  of 
the  possessions  of  this  abbey,  were  ta- 
ken away  by  king  William;  but  after 

*  Called  by  the  ancient  Britons  Ynmritrin,  which 
the  Saxons  afterwards  changed  to  Gtostunburg, 


14        HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION. 

he  became  settled  on  the  British  throne, 
he  restored  most  of  them,  and  elected 
a  Norman,  named  Turstinus,  abbot  of 
Glastonbury,  A.  D.  1083;  whose  suc- 
cessor, Herelwinus,  rebuilt  the  abbey 
church;  which  soon  after  was  entirely 
destroyed  by  fire,  A.  D.  1184,  during 
the  reign  of  Henry  II.  who  commissi- 
oned Ralph  Fitzstephens  to  take  care  of 
the  revenues  of  the  abbey,  and  to  rebuild 
the  church  and  offices;  there  being  no 
abbot  elected  during  this  reign,  since 
the  year  1178. 

About  this  time,  king  Henry  having 
undertaken  an  expedition  into  Ireland, 
to  suppress  a  rebellion,  raised  by  Ro- 
deric,  king  of  Connaught,  was  enter- 
tained, in  his  passage  through  Wales, 
with  the  songs  of  the  Welch  bards.  The 
subject  of  their  rhymes  was  king  Arthur, 
( the  great  hero  of  Britain, )  whose  histo- 
ry had  been  so  obscured  by  fabulous 
legends,  that  the  place  of  his  interment 
was  scarcely  known.  But  in  one  of  the 
Welch  poems,  sung  before  Henry,  it 


HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION.        1£ 

was  recited  that  king  Arthur,  after  the 
battle  of  Camlan,  in  Cornwall,  was  in- 
terred at  Glastonbury  abbey,  near  the 
altar,  but  without  any  external  mark 
or  memorial.  King  Henry,  after  his 
return  from  Ireland,  visited  Glastonbu- 
ry, and  commanded  the  spot,  described 
by  the  Welsh  bard,  to  be  opened;  when 
about  six  feet  deep  they  found  a  flat 
stone,  with  a  broad  leaden  cross  fixed 
on  its  under  side.  On  taking  off  the 
cross,  the  following  inscription,  in  rude 
characters,  was  discovered  on  its  inside 
surface  next  the  stone: 

HIC   JACET 
SEPULTUS    INCLITUS 

REX    ARTIRIUS 
IX    INSULA   AVALOME. 

About  nine  feet  below  this  they  found 
a  large  stone,  inscribed  with  king  Ar- 
thur's name;  under  which  was  a  coffin, 
hewn  out  of  solid  oak,  containing  his 
rt'licks;  which  were  afterwards  trans- 
lated into  the  new  church,  and  covered 


16        HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION. 


with  a  magnificent  tomb.* 


*Tliis  is  the  foundation  of  the  following  ode, 
entitled 

THE  GRAVE  OF  KING  ARTHUR, 

BY  THOMAS  WARTON, 


STATELY  the  feast,  and  high  the  cheer: 
Girt  with  many  an  armed  peer, 
And  canopied  with  golden  pall, 
Amid  Kilgarran's  *  castle  hall, 
Sublime  in  formidable  state, 
And  warlike  splendour,  Henry  sate; 
Prepar'd  to  stain  the  briny  flood 
Of  Shannon's  lakes  with  rebel  blood. 

Illumining  the  vaulted  roof, 

A  thousand  torches  flam'd  aloof: 

From  massy  cups,  with  golden  gleam 

Sparkled  the  Metheglin's  stream: 

To  grace  the  gorgeous  festival, 

Along  the  lofty-window'd  hall, 

The  storied  tapestry  was  hung: 

"With  minstrelsy  the  rafters  rung 

Of  harps,  that  with  reflected  light 

From  the  proud  gallery  glitter'd  bright : 

While  gifted  bards,  a  rival  throng, 

(  From  distant  Mona,  nurse  of  song, 

From  Teivi,  fri:;g'd  with  umbrage  brown, 

From  Elvy's  vale,  and  Cadei's  crown, 

*  The  castle  of  Kilgarran,  where  this  discovery  is 
supposed  to  have  been  made,  now  a  romantic  ruin, 
stands  on  a  rock,  descending  to  the  river  Teive,  in 
Pembrokeshire;  and  was  built- by  Roger  de  Montgo- 
mery, who  led  the  van  of  the  Normuns  at  Hastings. 


HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION.         17 

After  the  death  of  king  Henry  II.  the 
buildings  of  Ralph  Fitzstephens  were 


From  many  a  shaggy  precipice, 
That  shades  lerne's  hoarse  abyss, 
And  many  a  sunless  solitude, 
Of  Radnor's  inmost  mountains  rude,) 
To  crown  the  banquet's  solemn  close, 
Themes  of  British  glory  chose; 
And  to  the  strings  of  various  chime, 
Attemper'd  thus  the  fabling  rhyme : 

"  O'er  Cornwall's  cliffs  the  tempest  roar'd, 
High  the  screaming  seamew  soar'd; 
On  Tintaggel's*  topmost  tower 
Darksome  fell  the  sleety  shower; 
Round  the  rough  castle  shrilly  sung 
The  whirling  blast,  and  wildly  flung 
On  each  tall  rampart's  thundering  side 
The  surges  of  the  trembling  tide : 
\Vhen  Arthur  ranged  his  red  cross  ranks 
On  conscious  Camlan's  crimson'd  banks; 
By  Mordred's  faithless  guile  decreed 
Beneath  a  Saxon  spear  to  bleed ! 
Yet  in  vain  a  Paynim  foe 
Arm'd  with  fate  the  mighty  blow; 
For  when  he  fell,  an  elfin  queen, 
All  in  secret,  and  unseen, 
O'er  the  fainting  hero  threw 
Her  mantle  of  ambrosial  blue; 

*  Tintaggel  or  Tintadgel  castle,  near  Bossiney, 
on  the  northern  coast  of  Cornwall,  where  king  Ar- 
thur is  said  to  have  been  born,  and  to  have  chiefly 
resided.  Some  of  its  huge  fragments  still  remain, 
on  a  rocky  peninsular  cape,  of  a  prodigious  decli- 
\ity  towards  the  sea,  and  almost  inaccessible  from 
the  laud  side. 


18        HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION". 

completed  by  the  abbot  Henry  de  Sali- 
aco,  elected  A.  D.  1189. 


And  bade  her  spirits  bear  him  far, 
In  Merlin's  agate-axled  car, 
To  her  green  isle's  enamell'd  steep, 
Far  in  the  navel  of  the  deep. 
O'er  his  wounds  she  sprinkled  dew 
From  flowers  that  in  Arabia  grew; 
On  a  rich  enchanted  bed 
She  pillow'd  his  majestic  head; 
O'er  his  brow,  with  whispers  bland, 
Thrice  she  wnv'd  an  opiate  wand; 
And  to  soft  music's  airy  sound, 
Her  magic  curtains  clos'd  around. 
There,  renew'd  the  vital  spring, 
Again  he  reigns  a  mighty  King; 
And  many  a  fair  and  fragrant  clime, 
Blooming  in  immortal  prime, 
By  gales  of  Eden  ever  fann'd, 
Owns  the  monarch's  high  command: 
Thence  to  Britain  shall  return, 
(If  right  prophetic  rolls  I  learn,) 
Borne  on  Victory's  spreading  plume, 
His  ancient  sceptre  to  resume; 
Once  more,  in  old  heroic  pride, 
His  barbed  courser  to  bestride; 
His  knightly  table  to  restore, 
And  brave  the  tournaments  of  yore.'* 

They  ceas'd;  when  on  the  tuneful  stage 
Advanc'd  a  bard,  of  aspect  sage; 
His  silver  tresses,  thin  besprent, 
To  age  a  graceful  reverence  lent; 
His  beard,  all  white  as  spangles  frore 
That  clothe  Plinlimmon's  forests  hoar, 
Down  to  his  harp  descending  flow'd; 
With  Time's  faiut  rose  his  features  glow'dj 


HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION.        19 

111   the   year    1276,    this   abbey   was 
nearly    destroyed    by  an    earthquake, 

His  eyes  diJlus'd  a  soften'd  fire, 

And  thus  he  vvak'd  the  warbling  wire: 

"  Listen,  Henry,  to  my  rede! 
Not  from  fairy  realms  I  lead 
Bright-rob'd  tradition,  to  relate 
In  forged  colours  Arthur's  fate; 
Though  much  of  old  romantic  lore 
On  the  high  theme  I  keep  in  store: 
But  boastful  Fiction  should  be  dumb, 
Where  Truth  the  strain  may  best  become. 
If  thine  ear  may  still  be  won 
With  songs  of  Uther's  glorious  son, 
Henry,  I  a  tale  unfold, 
Never  yet  in  rhyme  enroll'd, 
Nor  sung  nor  harp'd  in  hall  or  bower; 
Which  in  my  youth's  full  early  flower, 
A  minstrd,  sprung  of  Cornish  line, 
Who  spoke  of  kings  from  old  Locriue, 
Taught  me  to  chant  one  vernal  dawn, 
Deep  in  a  cliff-encircled  lawn, 
What  time  the  glistening  vapours  fled  • 
From  cloud-envelop'd  Clyder's*  head; 
And  on  its  sides  the  torrents  gray 
Shone  to  the  morning's  orient  ray. 

"  When  Arthur  bow'd  his  haughty  crest, 
No  princess,  veil'd  in  azure  vest, 
Snateh'd  him,  by  Merlin's  potent  spell, 
In  groves  of  golden  bliss  to  dwell; 
Where,  crown'd  Avith  wreaths  of  misletoe, 
Slaughter'd  kings  in  glory  go: 

*  Or  Glyder,  a  mountain  in  Caernarvonshire.  W. 


20        HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION. 

which  also  threw  down  St.  Michael's 
church,  on  the  Tor, 


But  when  he  fell,  with  winged  speed, 

His  champions,  on  a  milk-white  steed, 

From  ihe  battle's  hurricane, 

Bore  him  to  Joseph's  tovered  fane, 

In  the  fair  isle  of  Avalo/i : 

There,  with  chanted  orison, 

And  the  long  blaze  of  tapers  clear, 

The  stoled  fathers  met  the  bier; 

Through  the  dun  aisles,  in  order  dread 

Of  martial  woe,  the  chief  they  led, 

And  deep  intomb'd  in  holy  ground, 

Before  the  altar's  solemn  bound. 

Around  no  dusky  banners  wave, 

No  mouldering  trophies  mark  the  grave : 

Away  the  ruthless  Dane  hath  torn 

Each  trace  that  Time's  slow  touch  had  worn; 

And  long,  o'er  the  neglected  stone, 

Oblivion's  veil  its  shade  has  thrown: 

The  faded  tomb,  with  honour  due, 

'Tis  thine,  O  Henry,  to  renew ! 

Thither,  when  conquest  has  restor'd 

Yon  recreant  i^le,  and  shcath'd  the  sword, 

When  Peace  with  palm  has  crown'd  thy  brows, 

Haste  thee  to  pay  thy  pilgrim  vows, 

There,  observant  of  my  lore, 

The  pavement's  hallow' d  depth  explore ; 

And  thrice  a  fathom  underneath 

Dive  into  the  vaults  of  death. 

There  shall  thine  eye,  with  wild  amaze, 

Ou  his  gigantic  stature  gaze; 

There  shall  thou  find  the  monarch  laid, 

All  in  warrior-weeds  array'd; 

Wearing  in  death  his  helmet-crown, 

And  weapons  huge  of  old  renown. 

Martial  prince,  'tis  thine  to  save 

From  dark  oblivion  Arthur's  grave! 


HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION.        21 

In  the  year  1303,    Geoffry  Fromont 
was  elected  abbot;  who  began  to  rebuild 


So  may  thy  ships  securely  stem 
The  western  frith :  thy  diadem 
Shine  victorious  in  the  van, 
Nor  heed  the  slings  of  Ulster's  clan: 
Thy  Norman  pikemen  win  their  way 
Up  the  dun  rocks  of  Harald's  bay:* 
And  from  the  steeps  of  rough  Kildare 
Thy  prancing  hoofs  the  falcon  scare : 
So  may  thy  bow's  unerring  yew 
Its  shafts  in  Roderic's  heart  imbrue,  f 

Amid  the  pealing  symphony 
The  spiced  goblets  mantled  high; 
With  passions  new  the  song  impress'd 
The  listening  king's  impatient  breast: 
Flash  the  keen  lightnings  from  his  eyes; 
He  scorns  awhile  his  bold  emprise; 
E'en  now  he  seems,  with  eager  pace, 
The  consecrated  floor  to  trace, 
And  ope,  from  its  tremendous  gloom, 
The  treasure  of  the  wondrous  tomb: 
E'en  now  he  burns  in  thought  to  rear, 
From  its  dark  bed,  the  ponderous  spear, 

" 

*  The  bay  of  Dublin.  Harald,  or  Harsager,  the 
felir  haired  king  of  Norway,  is  said,  in  the  life  of 
Gryffudh  ap  Conan,  prince  of  North  Wales,  to 
have  conquered  Ireland,  and  to  have  founded 
Dublin.  W. 

t  Henry  is  supposed  to  have  succeeded  in  this 
enterprise  chiefly  by  the  use  of  the  long  bow,  with 
which  the  Irish  were  entirely  unacquainted.    W. 
C 


22        HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION. 

the  chapter-house,  and  the  great  hall 
of  the  abbey.  Walter  de  Taunton,  his 
successor,  built  the  centre  tower,  and 
the  front  of  the  choir.  Adam  de  Sod- 
bury,  the  next  abbot,  fixed  a  peal  of 
seven  great  bells  in  the  centre  tower. 
Walter  Monnington,  elected  A.  D.  1341, 
vaulted  the  choir,  and  lengthened  the 
presbytery;  and  dying  A.  D.  1374,  was 
succeeded  by  John  Chinnock,  who  corn- 


Rough  with  the  gore  of  Pictish  kings: 
E'en  now  fond  hope  his  fancy  wings, 
To  poise  the  monarch's  massy  blade, 
Of  magic-temper'd  metal  made ; 
And  drag  to  day  the  dinted  shield 
That  felt  the  storm  of  Camlan's  field. 
O'er  the  sepulchre  profound, 
E'en  now,  with  arching  sculpture  crown'd, 
He  plans  the  chantry's  choral  shrink, 
The  daily  dirge,  and  rites  divine. 

This  poem  is  an  eminent  example  of  legendary 
composition,  replete  with  the  true  spirit  of  the  feu- 
dal age,  wherein  a  love  of  heroism,  of  gallantry, 
and  a  fondness  to  exalt  the  imagination,  co-oper- 
ating with  the  fervor  of  devotion,  and  a  faith  in 
supernatural  agency,  which  the  traditions  of  the 
gothic  monks  had  established,  combined  to  render 
not  only  the  ,vars  of  the  Crusades,  but  also  the 
entire  character  of  the  age  cf  Chivalry,  totally  dif- 
ferent from  all  others  which  History  has  hitherto, 
presented. 


HISTORICAL  INTRODUCTION.      23 

pleted  the  great  hall  and  chapter-house* 
(begun  by  Geoffry  Fromont,)  and  built 
the   cloisters,   dormitory,    and   fraterx 
Richard  Beere,*  elected  A.  D.   1493, 
built  the  lodgings  for  the  secular  priests, 
arched  the  aisles  of  the  great  church, 
and  began  St.  Edgar's  chapel  on  tin1 
south  side  of  it.     He  also  founded  an 
almshouse  and  chapel,  north  of  the  ab- 
bey, for  women;  and  built  the  manor- 
house  at  Sharpham,  two  miles  west  of 
Glastonbury.     He  died  on  the  20th.  of 
January  1524,   and  was  buried  in  the 
south  aisle  of  the  abbey  church,  under 
a  plain  marble. 

Richard  Whiting,  the  last  abbot,  was 
•elected  A.  D.  1524,  and  soon  after  built 
the  abbey  kitchen,  and  finished  St.  Ed- 
gar's chapel  on  the  south  side  of  the 
great  church. 

Glastonbury  abbey  had  now  attained 

*  By  this  abbot,  many  of  the  parish  churches, 
in  the  couaty  of  Somerset,  were  rebuilt  or  repaired; 
cm  most  of  which  are  his  initials,  R.  B.  in  a  cypher, 


24        HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION. 

its  summit  of  prosperity,  and  was  one 
of  the  richest  in  England.  It  was  situ- 
ated in  a  quadrangular  close,  containing 
about  forty  acres,  enclosed  with  high 
stone  walls,  without  which,  on  the  east 
west,  and  north,  are  the  streets  of  the 
town,  and  on  the  south  a  high  road. 

The  great  entrance*  into  the  abbey, 
was  from  St.  Magdalene  street,  on  the 
west,  and  led  directly  to  St.  Joseph's 
chapel,  and  the  great  church.  South 
of  the  church  were  the  cloisters,  and 
south  of  the  cloisters  was  the  great  hall 


*  The  great  entrance  was  an  arched  gateway, 
furnished  with  turrets,  battlements,  and  a  heavy 
machicolation.  A  small  arched  way  for  foot  pas- 
sengers, and  the  porter's  lodge  adjoined.  This 
building  remained  nearly  entire  until  so  late  as  the 
year  1810,  when  the  top  of  the  gateway  was  taken 
down,  and  a  modern  roof  substituted:  the  small 
arch  and  the  porter's  lodge  stijl  remain:  the  whole 
has  for  several  years  past  been  used  as  an  inn,  call- 
ed the  Red  Lion.  There  was  also  another  arched 
gateway,  which  led  directly  from  St.  Magdalene 
street  to  the  abbey  kitchen;  but  it  appeared  to  be 
a  more  modern  structure,  being  a  plain  circular 
stone  arch,  (  not  Saxon,)  without  much  architectu- 
ral character:  it  was  taken  down  A.  D.  1808,  to- 
gether with  a  considerable  part  of  the  boundary 
wall,  the  whole  length  of  St.  Magdalene  street. 


HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION.        25 

or  refectory,  and  the  guests  room;  to 
the  west  of  which  was  the  lord  abbot's 
dwelling,  and  further  west  the  great 
kitchen. 

The  ground  plan  of  the  abbey  church 
formed  one  large  cross:  the  length  of 
the  nave,  from  the  west  entrance  (  ad- 
joining to  St.  Joseph's  chapel)  to  the 
intersection  of  the  trariscepts,  was  280 
feet;  each  transcept  was  45  feet;  the 
breadth  of  the  nave,  with  the  side  aisles, 
was  about  130  feet;  the  length  of  the 
choir  was  155  feet;  the  extreme  length, 
from  the  west  end  of  St.  Joseph's  cha- 
pel to  the  east  end  of  the  church,  was 
580  feet. 

In  the  south  transcept  was  the  abbey 
clock,  which,  by  means  of  a  communi- 
cation, tolled  the  hours  on  the  great  bell 
of  the  centre  tower ;  the  quarters  were 
struck  by  automatons  on  two  small  bells 
in  the  transcept ;  the  dial-plate  (  also  in 
the  transcept)  shewed  the  hours,  and 
represented  the  solar,  lunar,  and  other 
astronomic  motions;  above  the  dial- 


26      HISTORICAL  INTRODUCTION. 

plate  was  an  ingenious  piece  of  mecha- 
nism, representing  eight  knights  riding; 
on  horseback,  in  opposite  directions.* 

Adjoining  the  church  was  the  vestry,, 
for  keeping  the  habits  and  vestments, 
and  the  treasury,  which  was  the  repo- 
sitory for  the  pontificalia,  consisting  of 
relicks,  jewels  and  plate,  mitresr  cros- 
siers,  crucifixes,  beads,  and  staffs. 

The  cloisters  were  a  large  square  of 
220  feet,  surrounded  with  an  arcade  or 
covered  walk ;  on  the  east  side  of  which 
was  the  chapter-house,  where  the  monks 
met  for  confession,  for  conferences,  and 
for  the  determination  of  those  concerns 
which  required  the  assent  of  the  whole 
house:  at  the  upper  end  was  the  abbot's 
seat,  and  around  were  benches  fixed  to 
the  wall  for  the  monks.  In  the  chapter- 
house was  interred  the  abbot  John  Chin- 
nock,  who  completed  the  build  ing  of  it. 


*This  clock  is  now  in  the  north  transcept  of 
Wells  cathedral.  It  was  made  by  Peter  Lightfbofrj, 
<me  of  the  monks  of  Glastonbury. 


HISTORICAL  INTRODUCTION.    27 

"the  great  hall  or  refectory,  south  of 
the  cloisters,  contained  seven  long  ta- 
bles, surrounded  with  fixed  benches; 
at  the  upper  end  sat  the  abbot,  priors, 
and  superiors  of  the  house;  at  the  next 
two  the  priests,  at  the  next  four  the 
monks,  and  those  about  to  enter  into 
holy  orders,  and  at  the  lower  table  the 
lay-brothers.  In  the  refectory  was  a 
pulpit,  wherein  one  of  the  monks,  at 
the  appointment  of  the  abbot,  daily  read 
during  the  meals.  Annexed  to  the  re- 
fectory was  the  lavatory,  buttery,  and 
cellar. 

On  the  west  side  of  the  cloisters  was 
the  fratery,  which  was  an  apartment 
for  the  novices:  it  had  several  offices 
separate  from  the  principal  offices  of  the 
abbey,  as  a  refectory,  lavatory,  common 
room,  and  dormitory:  it  was  built  by 
the  abbot  Chinnock,  and  governed  by 
one  of  the  priors. 

Over  the  cloisters  was  the  gallery,  in 
which  was  the  wardrobe,  the  common 


28        HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION. 

treasury,  the  common  room,  and  the 
library,  which  was  large,  and  contained 
many  valuable  books,  one  of  which  was 
the  M.  S.  of  Livy.  Adjoining  the  li- 
brary was  the  Scriptorium,  where  the 
monks  frequently  employed  themselves 
in  composing  and  transcribing. 

In  the  common  room  there  was  a  fire 
kept  during  the  winter:  no  other  fire  was 
allowed,  excepting  to  the  officers  of  the 
house,  who  had  their  several  fires.  The 
common  treasury  contained  the  charters, 
evidences,  registers,  ledgers,  and  ac- 
counts of  the  abbey,  in  chests  of  iron : 
other  records  and  writings,  not  con- 
nected with  the  abbey,  were  also  placed 
there  for  security,  by  permission  of  the 
abbot.  The  care  of  the  treasury  was 
committed  to  the  treasurer  and  under 
treasurer.* 


*  The  last  who  bore  these  offices  were  John  Thorn 
and  Roger  James,  the  two  monks  who  were  exe- 
cuted with  the  abbot  R.  Whiting,  on  the  Tor,  loir 
denying  the  supremacy  of  Henry  VIU, 


HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION.        2$ 

The  dormitory  was  over  the  cloister 
gallery:  in  the  passages  which  led  round 
it,  were  doors  to  the  several  chambers, 
which  contained  each  a  small  bed,  a 
table  and  crucifix,  and  a  desk  furnished 
with  drawers  for  books  and  paper.  In 
the  passages  surrounding  the  dormitory, 
were  lanterns  of  wrought  stone  work, 
to  give  light  to  the  monks  when  they 
rose  to  matins. 

The  lord  abbot's  dwelling  stood  west 
of  the  guest's  room,  and  fronted  towards 
the  west;  it  contained  many  large  win- 
dows, finely  wrought  with  mulions  and 
tracery  of  stone  work. 

The  boys'  apartment  was  a  seminary 
for  the  choristers,  who  were  educated 
in  grammar  and  music. 

West  of  the  lord  abbot's  dwelling  was 
the  great  kitchen,  adjoining  the  north 
side  of  which  was  the  almonry. 

Richard  Whiting  continued  governor 
of  this  extensive  monastery,  until  the 


SO        HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION. 

general  suppression  by  king  Henry 
VIII.  who  having  abrogated  the  pope's 
authority,  and  declared  himself  the  su- 
preme head  of  the  church  of  England, 
seized  and  invaded  all  the  monasteries 
in  the  kingdom. 

Richard  Whiting,  not  being  easily 
prevailed  on  to  surrender,  was  accused 
of  high  treason,  and  tried  at  Wells,  but 
was  acquitted;  after  which,  on  his  re- 
turn to  the  abbey,  he  was  violently  seiz- 
ed, and  dragged  to  the  Tor,  where  he 
was  executed,  without  being  allowed 
to  take  leave  of  his  society,  which  he 
earnestly  requested.  Roger  James  and 
John  Thorn,  were  also  executed  with 
him,  being  charged  with  giving  him  ill 
advice.  This  execution  took  place  on 
the  14th.  of  November  1539.  The  abbey 
at  its  dissolution  was  valued  at  .£3311. 
7s.  4d.  per  annum,  according  to  Sir 
William  Dugdale.  It  lay  several  years 
waste  and  desolate,  until  gradually  des- 
troyed by  the  different  persons  whose 
property  it  successively  became.  In. 


HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION.        3t 

the  reign  of  Edward  VI.  (who  succeed- 
ed Henry  VIII.)  it  was  granted  to  Ed- 
ward duke  of  Somerset;  and  afterwards, 
iii  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  to  Sir  Peter 
Carew. 

As  a  borough  and  corporation,  the 
town  of  Glastonbtiry  sent  members  to 
parliament,  until  the  dissolution  of  the 
abbey,  when  both  these  privileges  were 
taken  away:  but  in  the  reign  of  queen 
Anne,  Sir  Peter  King,  who  was  record- 
er of  the  town,  procured  it  a  new  char- 
ter, to  be  governed  by  a  mayor  and 
eight  capital  burgesses. 

In  the  year  1606,  on  the  20th.  of 
January,  was  a  remarkable  flood,  occa- 
sioned by  a  high  spring  tide,  from  the 
Bristol  channel,  assisted  by  a  strong 
wind,  breaking  over  the  sea  walls,  and 
inundating  all  the  valley  surrounding 
the  Avalonian  hills.  Soon  after  the 
vear  1750,  the  mineral  waters  of  Gias- 

• 

tonbury  were  much  resorted  to,  and  a 
commodious  pump-room  built  near 


32        HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION. 

Chaingate,  at  the  entrance  of  St.  Mag- 
dalene street,  in  consequence  of  Mat- 
thew Chancellor's  dream*  The  concourse 
to  the  town  was  so  great  for  a  time,  that 
lodgings  could  scarcely  be  procured. 


*  "  This  is  to  certify,  whom  it  may  concern,  that 

*'  I,  Matthew  Chancellor,  yeoman,  of  the  parish  of 

"  North  Wootton,  in  the  county  of  Somerset,  had 

"  been  afflicted  with  an  asthma  or  phthisic,  almost 

"  thirty  years ;  and  that  about  the  middle  of  Octo- 

*'  ber  last,  I  dreamed  that  I  was  at  Glastonbury, 

"  some  way  above  Chaingate,  and  in  the  horsetrack 

"  was  some  of  the  finest  water  I  ever  saw ;  I  kneeled 

"  down  and  drank  of  it.     as  soon  as  I  stood  up,  I 

"  saw  a  person  standing  by,  who  pointed  with  his 

*'  finger,   and  said,"    "  '  If  you  drink   this   water 

'"fasting  seven  Sunday  mornings  following,    you 

*' '  will  find  a  perfect  cure."'     "  I  asked  him,  why 

'seven  sunday   mornings?    he   replied,"    "'The 

"world  was  made  in  six  days,  and  on  the  seventh, 

'  *  God  rested  from  his  labour,  and  blessed  it  above 

"other  days."'     "  He  also  said,"    '"This  water 

( '  comes  from  the  holy  ground,  where  many  saints 

' '  and  martyrs   have  been  buried."  '      "  When  I 

'  awoke,  this  was  my  dream." 

"  The  sunday  after  I  went  and  found  it  exactly; 
"  I  drank  of  it,  and  so  continued  seven  Sundays, 
"  and,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  recovered  from  my 
*'  complaint." 


"  Witness  my  hand,  MATTHEW  CHANCELLOR." 
"  The  27th.  day  of  April 


HISTORICAL  INTRODUCTION.   33 

About  the  year  1 790,  an  unsuccessful 
attempt  was  made  to  discover  coal  at 
Glastonbury :  a  pit  was  sunk  in  a  field, 
called  the  George  close,  and  kept  clear 
of  water  by  a  horse  pump.  After  cut- 
ting through  the  surface  of  black  mould, 
a  strata  of  clay,  and  another  of  marie, 
in  which  were  numerous  resemblances 
of  crushed  snail  shells,  there  was  found, 
instead  of  coal,  a  salt  spring,  which 
might  perhaps  have  been  valuable,  but 
the  mining  was  discontinued,  and  the 
pit  was  soon  after  filled  up. 

In  the  years  1792,  1793,  and  1794, 
the  ground  adjoining  the  abbey  ruins, 
was  cleared,  leveled,  and  converted  in- 
to an  excellent  piece  of  pasturage;  many 
loads  of  stones  were  raised  here,  and 
employed  in  making  a  new  turnpike 
road  between  Glastonbury  and  Wells. 
Several  of  these  stones  (being  fragments 
of  the  abbey  )  were  curious  specimens 
of  sculpture,  consisting  of  corbel-heads, 
capitals,  bases,  and  broken  shafts  of 
columns,  pieces  of  mouldings,  tracery, 


S4        HISTORICAL    INTRODUCTION. 

pinacles,  foliage  &c.  some  of  which  were 
sold  by  the  workmen  to  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town,  and  to  travellers  occasional- 
ly passing-  through.  One  of  the  most 
valuable,  is  a  model  of  a  small  chapel, 
supposed  to  have  formerly  stood  in  or 
near  the  abbey.  This  model  is  execut- 
ed in  freestone,  and  is  about  fourteen 
inches  high ;  in  the  centre  rises  an  octa- 
gonal turret,  the  top  of  which  appears 
to  have  been  broken  off;  in  the  front 
are  two  ogee  arched  windows,  between 
which  is  the  door;  at  each  end  is  a  win- 
dow, corresponding  to  those  in  front. 
This  model  is  now  in  the  possession  of 
a  person  residing  at  Axbridge.  In  the 
abbey  kitchen  is  a  statue  of  an  abbot, 
sculptured  in  blue  lias  marble;  this  also 
was  found  in  the  year  1793,  near  one  of 
the  piers  which  supported  the  centre 
tower  of  the  abbey  church. 


HISTORICAL     INTRODUCTION.        35 

The  armorial  bearings   of  Glastonbury 
abbey. 


Vert,  a  cross  bottonnee  argent:  in  the 
first  quarter  the  Virgin  Mary,  with  the 
infant  Christ  on  her  right  arm,  and  a 
sceptre  in  her  left  hand. 

Being  the  coat  of  arms  borne  by  the 


British  king  Arthur. 


THE 


AVALOXIAN   GUIDES. 


J.  HE  town  of  Glastonbury  is  situated  near  the 
centre  of  the  county  of  §<uiierset,  on  the  great  west- 
ern road  from  London,  through  Bath  and  Wells, 
to  Exeter.  Its  topographical  situation  is  on  tire 
north  west  side  of  a  cluster  of  hills,  anciently*  call- 
ed the  Island  of  Avalon;  which  is  surrounded  by  a 
flat  marshy  country  of  considerable  extent,  bounded 
on  the  north  by  the  Meudip  hills,  which  are  ex- 
tended nearly  across  the  county;  on  the  south  by 
Poledown  and  other  hills,  extending  in  a  ridge 
parallel  with  the  Meudip;  on  the  west  by  the  Bris- 
tol channel ;  and  on  the  east  by  some  hills  on  the 
borders  of  Wiltshire,  where  the  river  Brent  takes 
\\&  rise,  near  Selwood  forest,  and  passing  through 
the  town  of  Bruton,  proceeds  westward  through 
the  valley,  and  winding  round  the  south  west  side 
of  the  Avalonian  hills,  flows  on  to  Highbridge,  and 
enters  the  Bristol  channel  at  Bridgwater  bay* 
D 


38  THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE. 

The  road  from  Bath  to  Wells,  leads,  for  about 
twelve  miles,  over  the  Mendip  hills;  from  whence 
is  obtained  an  extensive  view  of  the  valley,  in  which 
the  ancient  island  of  Avalon  is  easily  distinguished 
by  the  Tor. 

As  the  road  descends,  and  approaches  the  city  of 
Wells,  its  cathedral  forms  a  conspicuous  object:  it 
is  built  in  the  gothic  style  of  architecture,  of  which 
the  west  front  is  a  most  magnificent  specimen.* 

In  'the  north  transcept  of  this  cathedral,  is  the 
ancient  astronomic  clock,  which  formerly  stood  in 
the  south  transcept  of  Glastonbury  abbey,  until 
the  dissolution  of  monasteries  by  Henry  VIII. 

About  two  miles  westward  of  Wells,  on  the  Ax- 
bridge  road,  is  a  cavern,  called  Oakey  Hole;  which, 
from  a  narrow  entrance,  extends  a  considerable 
way  under  the  rocks  of  Mendip,  and  contains  nu- 
merous grotesque  petrifactions,  occasioned  by  wa- 
ter, which  is  continually  dropping  in  many  parts 
of  the  cavern ;  the  approach  to  its  entrance  is 
highly  picturesque. 


*  "  The  multiplicity  of  figures  which  decorate 
'  this  western  front,  the  beauty  of  the  niches 
'wherein  they  stand  enshrined,  the  light  appeur- 
'  ance  of  the  pillars  detached  from  the  wall,  and 
'  from  each  other,  combine  to  form  a  most  splen- 
'  did  and  agreeable  example  of  gothic  ecclesiastical 

DAL  AWAY. 

' 


THE    AVALONIAX    GUIDE.  39 

From  Wells,  Glastonbury  is  six  miles  distant ; 
the  road  is  carried,  on  a  raised  terrace  or  r.ni.-wvay, 
over  the  valley  before  mentioned,  \\hich  i.« 
fertile,  and  chiefly  pasturage;  ut  the  end  of  the 
causeway,  tlie  road,  after  crossing  a  small  river 
at  Hartlake  bridge,  enters  the  Islau-l  of  Avalon, 
and  winds  round  the  west  side  of  a  beautiful  risin .; 
ground,  called  Edmund  hill,  ou  the  declivity  of 
which  are  several  springs  of  water,  which  is  con- 
ducted in  leaden  pipes  to  three  public  fountains  or 
conduits  at  Glastonbury,  about  a  mile  distant. 

From  Edmund  hill,  the  road  gradually  ascends, 
and  enters  the  town  abruptly,  at  the  head  of  Iliyh 
street.* 

The  road  from  Exeter  and  westward,  after  pass- 
ing through  the.  towns  of  Taunton  and  B rid s:\vater, 
leads  over  Poledown  hill,  from  whence  is  obtained 
a  distant  view  of  Glastonbury. 

Descending  from  Poledown,  through  the  villages 
of  Ashcot,  Walton,  and  Street,  the  road  crosses 
the  valley  on  a  raised  causeway;  (similar  to  that 
before  mentioned,  between  Wt-il-  ;'.n<i  Glastoubury,) 
here  the  Tor  appears  to  great  advantage  on  the 
right,  with  the  tower  on  its  summit,  frequently 
envellop'd  with  clouds.  At  the  end  of  the  cause- 
way, is  a  stone  bridge  over  the  Brent;  from  whence, 

*  The  road  formerly  led  over  Edmund  hill,  and 
descended  a  steep  street,  called  Bovetown,  at  the 
head  of  High  street. 


40  THE    AVALONIAN   GUIDE. 

looking  down  the  river,  is  a  distant  view  of  the 
manor  house  of  Sharphara,  the  birth  place  of  Hen- 
ry Fielding.  (  The  well  known  author  of  "  Joseph 
Andrews,"  "  Tom  Jones,"  &c.) 

The  Island  of  Avalon  commences  at  the  small 
village  of  Northover ;  from  whence  the  road  winds 
round  the  south  side  of  Weary  all  hill.  (  On  the 
eastern  ridge  of  which,  the  ancient  holy  thorn  grew, 
which  was  cut  down  in  the  reign  of  Charles  I.) 

Here  the  traveller  is  abruptly  presented  with  one 
of  the  finest  views  in  the  west  of  England :  in  the 
foreground,  encrescented  with  hills,  stands  the 
ancient  town  of  Glastonbury,  its  streets  forming  a 
large  cross,  the  south  east  angle  of  which  is  occu- 
pied by  the  magnificent  ruins  of  the  abbey  church, 
St.  Joseph's  chapel,  and  the  octagonal  kitchen ;  in 
the  north  east  angle  stands  St.  John's  church, 
whose  pinnacled  tower  forms  a  conspicuous  object; 
in  the  south  west  angle,  in  a  line  westward  with 
the  ruins  of  the  abbey  church,  is  the  tower  and 
church  of  St.  Benedict;  east  of  the  town  appears 
Edmund  hill,  finely  covered  with  wood;  on  the 
right  of  which  is  Chalice  hill,  and  the  Tor;  west- 
ward is  an  extensive  view  of  the  surrounding  valley, 
bounded  by  the  Bristol  channel,  and  the  distant 
hills  of  Mendip,  which  form  a  good  back -ground 
to  the  picture. 

The  road  now  gradually  descends,  winds  round 
On  the  left,  and  enters  the  town  through  the  iw- 


THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE.  41 

proved  street  of  St.  Magdalene,  which  derives  its 
name  from  the  almshouse  and  chapel  of  St.  Magda- 
lene, near  the  entrance  of  the  Street.*  Adjoining 
is  a  building  in  the  grecian  style  of  architecture, 
called  the  pump-room,  which  was  erected  about 
the  year  1760,  when  the  mineral  waters  of  Glas- 
tonbury  were  much  resorted  to. 

Opposite  the  almshouse  chapel  stands  a  free-stone 
dwelling  house,  erected  about  the  year  1714,  from 
the  ruins  of  the  lord  abbot's  dwelling,  and  of  the 
great  hall  of  the  abbey;  which  most  probably  were 
interesting  specimens  of  architecture,  as  several 
pieces  of  sculptured  stone  are  fancifully  stuck  about 
the  front  of  this  house,  and  disfigure  it  as  much  as 
they  adorned  their  original  situation. 

The  west  side  of  St.  Magdalene  street,  is  com- 
posed, in  general,  of  well  built  modern  houses; 
the  east  side  presents  a  fine  uninterrupted  view  of 
the  abbey  ruins,  t 

In  the  open  space,  at  the  end  of  this  street,  stood 

*  The  entrance  of  this  street  was  formerly  through 
an  arched  gateway,  called  Chaingate,  which  was 
taken  down  many  years  ago. 

tThis  view  was  laid  open  to  the  street  A.  D. 
1808,  by  taking  down  part  of  the  boundary  wall 
of  the  abbey  close:  it  was  a  plain  buttressed  wall, 
with  an  arched  gateway,  (  of  no  architectural  inter- 
est,) leading  direct  to  the  abbey  kitchen;  instead 
of  this  wall  there  is  now  a  handsome  row  of  pali- 
sades. 


42  THE    AVALOMAN    GUIDE. 

a  large  market-house:  (also  built  of  free  stonr 
from  the  abbey  ruins,  about  the  year  1714: )  it 
\\as  taken  down  A.  D.  1812,  and  a  new  one  was 
erected  of  Doultoii  stone,  in  the  following  year; 
its  architecture  is  correct,  and  well  proportioned; 
it  stands  in  an  area  adjoining  the  Red  Lion  inn. 
This  inn  was  formerly  the  great  gate  of  the  abbey, 
and  remained  nearly  entire  until  so  late  as  the  year 
1810.  It  was  an  interesting  piece  of  architecture: 
on  each  side  of  the  great  arch,  was  an  abutment 
terminating  in  square  turrets,  in  which  were  cross 
loop-holes;  between  the^e  turrets  was  a  battlement 
of  large  port-holes,  supported  by  a  heavy  machi- 
colation. The  north  part  of  this  building  still  re- 
mains entire,  being  of  later  date,  and  in  a  different 
style  of  architecture.  It  consists  of  an  entrance 
under  a  pointed  arch,  not  wide  enough  to  admit 
carnages,  being  formerly  the  entrance  for  foot  pas- 
st-ngers  into  the  abbey,  over  it  is  a  small  room, 
called  the  stone  chamber,  from  its  having  a  stone 
floor,  the  roof  of  the  passage  underneath  being 
curiously  groined  with  free-stone.  The  window  of 
this  room  is  in  the  Tudor  style;  north  of  which  is 
a  projection  containing  two  bow  windows,  one 
over  the  other;  the  projection  is  carried  up  to  the 
roof,  where  it  terminates  in  a  battlement  of  small 
port-holes;  north  of  which  is  a  modern  window  in- 
serted to  the  upper  story,  and  a  window  in  the 
Tudor  style,  corresponding  to  that  over  the  eu 
trance,  to  the  lower  story. 


THE    AVALOXIAN    GUIDE.  43 

Behind  the  Red  Lion  inn  is  a  small  almshouse 
and  chapel  for  women  ;  founded  by  the  abbot  R. 
Beere;  over  the  front  gate  leading  to  it,  is  an 
armorial  bearing,  representing  a  full  blown  rose, 
surmounted  by  a  close  or  covered  crown;  (  perhaps 
the  miire  of  R.  Eeere ; )  the  supporters  are  winged 
greyhounds;  the  scroll  bears  the  date  of  1512:  at 
the  west  end  of  the  chapel  are  the  armorial  bearings 
of  the  abbey,  between  two  roses ;  aud  near  the  east 
window  is  au  escutcheon,  displaying  the  cross  be- 
iween  chalices. 

Beyond  the  market-house  is  an  open  space,  call- 
ed the  cross,*  which  forms  the  intersection  of  the 
four  principal  streets  of  the  town  :  on  the  south, 
St.  Magdalene  street;  on  the  east,  High  street;  oa 
the  north,  Northload  street ;  and  on  the  west,  St. 
Benedict's  street,  which  is  narrow  aud  ill  built;  on 
its  south  side,  in  au  area,  stands  St.  Benedicts 
church:  its  style  of  architecture  is  the  early  gothic; 
its  plau,  a  western  tower,  ( containing  five  bells, ) 
a  nave,  chancel,  and  vestry  room,  a  north  aisle 
awl  porch,  on  the  right  hand  of  which  is  a  free- 
stone vase  for  consecrated  water,  inserted  in  the 
•wall ;  over  the  porch  is  an  escutcheon  of  the  abbot 
R.  Beere,  bearing  the  initials  R.  B.  in  a  cypher, 
surmounted  by  a  uiitre  and  garter. 

*  Here  stood  an  ancient  building,  of  some  arch- 
itectural interest,  taken  down  A.  D.  1806;  it  con- 
sisted of  a  roof,  supported  by  nine  pointed  arches, 
and  a  large  central  pillar,  surmounted  with  a  statue. 


44  THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  great  arch  which  divide* 
the  nave  from  the  chancel,  is  the  following  inscrip- 
tion: "The  breach  of  the  sea  flood  was  January 
20th.  160(5."  * 

At  the  end  of  St.  Benedict's  street,  is  a  stone 
bridge  over  a  branch  of  the  river  Brent;  from 
whence  the  road  leads  to  a  part  of  the  valley  called 
Turf  moor,  where  a  great  quantity  of  turf,  for  fuel, 
is  annually  dug. f 


Northload  street  is  narrow  and  irregularly  built; 
in  several  of  the  houses  appear  sculptured  fragments 
of  the  abbey,  as  corbel  heads,  broken  shafts  of  co- 
lumns, pieces  of -window  tracery,  &c. 


At  the  end  of  the  street  the  road  turns  to  the 
left,  and  leads  to  the  village  of  Mear,  after  cross- 
ing the  river  Brent  at  Cold-harbour. 

High  street  is  tolerably  spacious,  and 'contains 
many  good  modern  buildings,  with  some  specimens 

of  ancient  architecture,  whereof  the  George  inn}: 

. 

*  This  flood  inundated  all  the  valley  surround- 
ing the  Island  of  Avalon. 

i  A  few  years  ago,  during  a  dry  season  in  the 
summer,  this  moor  accidentally  caught  fire,  which 
burnt  without  intermission  for  two  months,  des- 
troying trees,  and  every  thing  it  met  in  its  progress. 

I  In  this  inn  was  formerly  a  state  bed,  with  em- 
bossed ornaments  and  gilt  pannels. 


THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE.  45 

is  coeval  with  Ihe  abbey,  and  was  called  the  abbot's 
inn  for  pilgrims. 

The  front  is  composed  of  two  coTner  turrets,  a 
projection  containing  three  bow  windows,  an  ogee 
corbeled  pillar,  supporting  the  sign,  on  the  left  of 
the  gateway;  on  the  right  and  over  it  are  mulioneft 
windows,  niches,  and  compartments  filled  with  tra- 
cery 'and  armorial  bearings;  the  whole  surmounted 
with  an  embattled  parapet. 

The  principal  inn  is  now  the  White  Hart,  a  large 
and  commodious  modern  building. 

Through  the  garden  of  this  inn,  is  the  present 
way  to  the  ruins  of  the  abbey. 

On  entering,  the  first  object  which  presents  itself 
is  St.  Joseph's  chapel :  it  stood  before  the  west 
end  of  the  great  church,  and  communicated  there- 
with by  a  spacious  arch. 

This  chapel  is  a  magnificent  specimen  of  Nor- 
man architecture,  which  is  lighter  aud  more  elabo* 
rate  than  that  of  the  Saxons;  both  are  distinguished 
by  semicircular  arches,  supported  by  short  round 
columns,  whose  bases  and  capitals  are  grotesquely 
ornamented. 

The  north  entrance  (from  the  garden)  to  this 
chapel,  is  composed  of  pillars  supporting  the  cir- 
cular mouldings  of  an  arch,  and  four  series  of 
emblematic  figures;  altogether,  forming  one  of 
the  finest  Norman  arches  to  be  met  with  in 


46  THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE. 

England.  The  south  entrance,  opposite,  is  much 
mutilated,  and  its  design  not  so  elaborate;  near  it 
is  an  inscription  on  the  wall,  in  Norman  characters. 
At  the  west  front  is  a  lofty  triariel  window,  of  ele- 
gant design,  and  on  each  side  are  four  windows 
with  circular  arches,  the  weather  mouldings  over 
them  are  all  pointed,  and  supported  by  a  series  of 
corbel  heads,  representing  the  progress  of  age. 

The  basement,  story  is  composed  of  interlaced 
circular  arches,  ornamented  with  zigzag  mouldings, 
and  were  supported  by  small  pillars  of  blue  lias 
marble,  whereof  the  bases  and  capitals  only  remain; 
between  these  pillars,  the  walls  were  covered  with 
paintings,  some  traces  of  which  may  still  be  dis- 
cerned at  the  west  end. 

Under  the  floor  is  an  extensive  range  of  vaults;  * 
its  arches,  which  are  groined  and  pointed,  are  in 
many  places  broken  through. 

The  vaulted  roof  of  the  chapel  is  entirely  gone, 
except  the  springings  of  arches,  from  pillars  and 
corbel  heads. 

At  each  corner  was  a  square  turret,  two  of 
which  only  remain,  one  at  the  south  east,  and  the 
other  at  the  north  west;  the  latter  contains  a  spiral 
stone  staircase,  leading  to  the  parapet,  as  did  the 
staircase  in  the  corresponding  turret,  at  the  south 

*  From  these  vaults,  tradition  says  there  is  a 
subterraneous  passage  to  the  Tor 


THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE.  47 

west  corner,  which  fell  down  about  the  year  1750. 

The  ivy  with  which  these  walls  were  exuberantly 
covered,  was  cut  down  in  the  year  1807;  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  it  grewr  from  a  cluster  of  stems,  near 
the  north  west  turret,  which  were  interwoven  like 
a  large  cable,  and  measured  two  feet  in  diameter. 
The  ivy  considerably  increased  the  venerable  and 
interesting  appearance  of  the  ruin,  but  so  injured 
it  that  it  was  obliged  to  be  removed. 

This  chapel,  according  to  the  records  of  the  ab- 
bey, is  the  burial  place  of  Joseph  of  Arimathea; 
and  stands  on  the  site  of  the  original  chapel,  found- 
rd  by  him  and  his  companions. 

As  a  building,  it  possesses  much  architectural 
interest,  being  erected  just  before  the  Norman  style 
of  architecture  declined,  and  the  gothic  or  pointed 
arch  became  general.  The  intersection  of  two 
Norman  or  circular  arches,  which  frequently  oc- 
curs, not  only  here,  but  in  most  Norman  buildings 
of  a  late  date,  is  supposed  to  have  given  the  first 
idea  of  the  pointed  arch;  and  the  zigzag  moulding, 
which  is  of  Norman  origin,  was  for  some  time  used 
in  the  gothic  or  early  pointed  style;  so  that  many 
instances  occur,  of  early  gothic  buildings  so  blend- 
ed with  the  Norman  character,  that  it  is  difficult 
to  distinguish  them. 

A  spacious  arch  formed  the  communication  be- 
tween St.  Joseph's  chapel  and  the  abbey  church, 
which  was  constructed  in  the  early  gothic  style;  all 


48  THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE. 

its  arches  were  pointed,  yet  some  of  them  appear 
ornamented  with  the  Norman  zigzag  moulding. 

The  nave  and  north  aisle  are  entirely  gone,  with 
the  whole  of  the  south  aisle,  except  a  fragment  of 
the  outer  wall,  in  which  there  are  three  windows 
.nearly  entire;  on  the  outside  of  the  piers  between 
them,  the  ends  of  the  flying  buttresses  which  coun- 
teracted the  outward  pressure  of  the  vaulted  roof 
of  the  aisle,  still  remain :  these  flying  buttresses 
took  their  springings  from  near  the  tops  of  the 
great  abutments  of  the  cloisters,  which  adjoined 
the  south  aisle. 

Part  of  the  arched  door-way  which  formed  the 
communication  between  the  cloisters  and  the 
church,  still  remains  in  the  wall  before  mentioned ; 
eastward  of  which  are  the  remains  of  the  centre 
tower,  which  stood  on  the  four  great  arches,  at 
the  intersection  of  the  transcepts  with  the  nave  and 
choir.*  Of  the  four  main  piers  which  supported 
these  arches,  only  two  remain;  they  are  extremely 
high,  and  composed  of  clustered  columns,  their 
capitals  richly  ornamented  with  foliage,  on  which 
the  springings  of  the  great  arches  may  be  observed. 

Half  way  up  the  piers  are  the  remains  of  the 
stone  galleries,  which  led  round  the  church  in  the 
thickness  of  the  walls;  and  still  higher  are  two 
small  openings,  which  formed  the  communications 
from  the  spiral  stone  stairs,  in  the  corners  of  the 

*  Under  these  marches  stood  the  rood-loft,  at  the 
entrance  of  the  choir. 


THK    AVALONIAN    GUIDE.  49 

transcepts,   to  those  which  led  to  the  top  of  the 
tower.* 

Adjoining  the  south  east  pier,  in  the  angle  form- 
ed by  the  south  transcept  aud  the  choir,  are  the 
remains  of  St.  Edgar's  chapel;  and  in  the  north 
east  angle,  opposite,  St.  Mary's  chapel,  which  re- 
mains nearly  entire. 

Here  the  appearance  is  highly  picturesque ;  tak- 
ing in  a  view  of  the  choir,  St.  Mary's  chapel,  and 
the  two  piers  of  the  centre  tower,  where  clusters 
of  slender  columns,  supporting  highly  pointed 
arches  of  the  most  excellent  workmanship,  orna- 
mented with  an  endless  variety  of  mouldings,  form 
a  grand  and  interesting  picture;  especially  when, 
the  light  falls  in  a  proper  direction  to  contrast  the 
dark  shade  between  the  clustered  pillars  and 
mouldings,  f 

*  Beneath  the  piers  of  the  tower,  some  fragments 
of  the  bells  were  found,  A.  D.  1785. 

f'Gotbie  ruins,  and  perhaps  entire  gothic 
"  buildings,  appear  to  the  greatest  advantage  by 
"  moon-light.  The  softness  of  the  Medium  through 
"  which  they  are  then  seen,  gives  them  a  peculiar 
"  beauty  which  they  <Jo  not  possess  by  day." 

J.  J.  ANDERSON. 

"  If  thou  would'st  view  fair  Melrose  aright, 
<;  Go  visit  it  by  the  pale  Bioon-light; 
4i  For  the  gay  beams  of  lightsome  day 
'•  f-ild  but. to  tiout  the  ruias  grey. 
"  When  the  broken  arches  are  black,  in  night, 
*'  And  each  shafted  oriel  glimmers  white ; 

When 


50  THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE. 

Eastward  of  the  centre  tower  stood  the  choir} 
little  whereof  remains,  except  the  outward  wall  of 
the  south  aisle,  and  a  fragment  at  the  north  east 
corner,*  which  is  partly  covered  with  ivy,  and  its 
base  shews  a  part  of  the  dado,  or  stone  seat,  which 
formed  the  basement  round  the  whole  interior  of 
the  church. 

The  wall  of  the  south  aisle  before  mentioned, 
serves  as  a  specimen  of  the  elegant  architecture  of 
the  choir:  the  beautiful  proportion  of  the  pointed 
windows  is  rarely  equalled;  the  capitals  of  the  co- 
lumns supporting  the  mouldings  of  the  arches,  are 
adorned  with  flowers  and  foliage,  in  which  the  oak 
leaf  is  most  conspicuous. 

"  When  the  cold  light's  uncertain  shower 

"  Streams  on  the  ruin'd  central  tower; 

"  When  buttress  and  buttress,  alternately,   1 

"  Seem  fram'd  of  ebon  and  ivory ; 

"  And  silver  edges  the  imagery.  j 

W.  SCOTT. 

*  This  is  called  the  haunted  corner,  from  an  an- 
cient tradition  still  prevalent,  relating  to  an  abbot's 
hearl,  and  implying  that  supernatural  sounds,  re- 
sembling the  roaring  of  a  furnace,  are  frequently 
heard  in  a  recess,  which  still  remains  nearly  entire. 
N.  B.  In  the  year  1793,  when  the  ground  adjoin- 
ing these  ruins  was  leveled,  a  free-stone  corlin  was 
discovered,  just  beneath  the  recess  before  menti- 
oned, containing  a  skeleton,  entire,  excepting  the 
skull.  This  circumstance  has  probably  some  distant 
connection  with  the  above  tradition;  for  however 
vague  and  extravagant  traditions  may  be,  they  ge- 
nerally originate  from  facts. 


THE    AVALOXIAN    GUIDE.  51 

Under  an  arch,  on  one  of  the  piers  between  the 
windows,  the  ends  of  the  iron  cramps,  which  for- 
merly supported  a  pulpit  or  reading  desk,  still 
remain. 

This  wall  was  mostly  covered  with  ivy,  which 
formed  a  beautiful  contrast  with  the  grey  stone. 

The  great  east  window  of  the  choir,  and  the 
chapel  of  the  Virgin  Mary  beyond  it,  are  entirely 
gone;  as  also  are  the  cloisters  and  the  chapter 
house,  the  library,  the  great  hall,  and  the  abbot's 
dwelling,  with  all  its  offices  except  the  kitchen, 
and  a  small  fragment  of  the  almonry,  nearly  adjoin- 
ing the  north  side  of  it,  which  remains  a  proof  of 
the  great  strength  of  the  old  cement  or  mortar:  at 
the  base  of  this  fragment  is  an  arch,  leading  to  the 
remains  of  a  stone  staircase  in  the  thickness  of  the 
wall;  over  which  the  ruin  is  left  projecting  many 
feet,  without  any  support  besides  the  cement;  the 
arch  on  which  it  formerly  stood  being  destroyed. 
In  this  manner  it  has  remained  ever  since  the  dis- 
solution of  the  abbey,  withstanding  its  constant 
exposure  to  the  wet  and  frost. 

The  kitchen  remains  nearly  entire:  its  plan  is  a 
square,  terminating  in  an  octagon;  in  each  angle 
of  the  square  is  a  large  fire-place,  the  arches  of 
which  support  four  sides  of  the  octagon,  which 
gradually  tapers  to  the  height  of  about  thirty  feet, 
and  terminates  in  a  turret  of  open  stone  work,  the 
internal  structure  of  which  is  extremely  curious; 


52  THE    AVALONJAN    GUIDE. 

the  chimneys  of  the  fire-places  terminated  in  four 
turrets,  on  the  corners  of  the  square  basement; 
on  the  south  side  of  which  is  a  large  door,  and 
some  remains  of  an  oven,  whose  mouth  opened  in- 
to the  south  east  fire-place;  on  the  west  side  is  a 
large  window,  and  another  on  the  north  side;  on 
the  east  was  another  door,  ( now  walled  up,)  against 
which  stands  a  statue  of  an  abbot,  which  was  dug 
up  in  the  year  1793,  near  the  north  east  pier  of  the 
centre  tower  of  the  abbey  church.  This  kitchen  is 
constructed  entirely  of  stone ;  those  which  form  the 
sides  of  the  octagon,  are  beveled  to  throw  off  the 
rain;  in  the  north  buttresses  are  two  small  niches 
for  consecrated  water. 

The  abbey  close  is  a  large  square,  of  about  forty 
acres,  bounded  on  the  north  by  High  street,  on 
the  east  by  Chiukwell  street,  on  the  south  by  a 
high  road,  (which  commands  a  fine  view  of  the 
abbey  ruins,)  and  on  the  west  by  St.  Magdalene 
street. 

This  close  was  surrounded  with  a  high  stone 
wall,  which  still  remains  nearly  entire,  except  on 
the  west  side,  where  its  place  is  supplied  with  a 
row  of  pajisades,  to  lay  open  a  view  of  the  abbey 
ruins  to  the  street. 


On  the  north  side  of  High  street  stands  St.  John's 
church,  a  fine  got  hie  structure,,  comprising  a  west- 
ern tower,  a  nave  and  side  aisles,  with  a  south 
two  traascepts,  a  vestry  roow,  and  the 


THE    AYALOMAN    GUIDE.  -V, 

chancel;  the  great  east  window  of  which,  i-»  replete 
Mith  elaborate  tracery  of  elegant  design. 

The  tower  is  140  feet  high,  in  three  stories, 
richly  ornamented  with  canopied  niches  <!v:c.  and 
strengthened  with  corner  buttresses;  from  the  slop<-< 
of  which  spring  slender  pinnacles,  terminating  in 
clustered  foliage.  The  spaces  between  the  but- 
tresses, unoccupied  by  windows  and  niches,  are 
•divided  i»to  compartments  filled  with  tracery.  The 
whole  is  surmounted  with  a  parapet  of  open  stone- 
work, and  eight  lofty  pinnacles,  four  of  which  ter- 
minate in  iron  cross-bars.  The  upper  story  con- 
tains six  full  toned  bells,  on  which  the  chimes  of 
{lie  tower  clock  play  at  the  hours  of  four,  eight, 
and  twelve. 

There  is  another  small  bell,  in  a  turret,  at  the 
west  end  of  the  chancel:  the  pinnacle  in  which  it 
formerly  hung,  was  of  a  most  elegant  design,  in 
stone-work,  but  being  much  decayed,  was  taken 
down  A.  D.  180o,  and  its  place  supplied  with  the 
present  turret  of  plastered  brick. 

In  the  chancel  is  an  ancient  tomb,  consisting  of 
a  recumbent  figure  on  a  basement,  the  pannels  of 
which  are  covered  with  various  figures  and  armorial 
bearings. 

In  the  church-yard,  opposite  the  great  east  win- 
dow, is  an  ancient  gothic  tomb,  nearly  sunk  into 
the  earth;    and  opposite  the  south   transcept  is  a 
monumental  stone,  erected  to  the  memory  of  a  lit- 
£ 


54  THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE. 

tie  boy,  of  the  name  of  Ayres,  who  lost  his  life  by 
falling  from  the  abbey  walls,  where  he  had  climbed 
for  birdsnests. 

At  a  small  distance  from  this  church-yard,  stands 
the  oldest  holy-thorn  tree  now  remaining,  which 
was  taken  immediately  from  the  ancient  thorn  on 
Weary  all  hill:  it  is  a  large  tree,  and  it  continues 
to  blossom  twice  a  year,  though  the  winter  flowers 
are  sometimes  hurt  by  the  frost. 

At  the  top  of  High  street,  in  the  same  direction, 
is  another  street,  called  Bovetown,  containing  se- 
veral well  built  houses:  it  leads  into  the  country, 
and  to  the  village  of  Wick,  over  the  Avalonian 
hills,  which  abound  with  pleasant  walks,  and  pic- 
turesque views  of  the  town,  of  the  abbey  ruins, 
find  of  the  surrounding  country. 

Chinkwell  street  is  narrow,  and  very  irregularly 
built:  near  it  is  an  interesting  building,  which  was 
formerly  the  abbey  barn  or  granary;  beyond  it, 
the  road  leads  to  the  town  of  Shepton  Mallet. 

At  the  end  of  Chinkwell  street,  at  the  base  of 
the  highest  of  the  Avalonian  hill,  called  the  Tor, 
rises  the  mineral  spring,  or  Glastonbury  water, 
which  is  extremely  transparent:  it  contains  a  strong 
impregnation  of  iron,  and  a  considerable  portion  of 
fixed  air,  which  renders  it  remarkably  fresh  and 
exhilarating.  The  stones  and  pebbles,  or  other 
substances,  over  which  it  flows,  soon  become  co- 
vered with  a  sediment,  resembling  the  rusi  of  iron. 


THE    AVALOSIAN    GUIDE.  55 

At  a  short  distance  from  the  spring-head,  are  com- 
modious baths;  from  whence  the  water  proceeds 
through  Chinkwell  street,  and  across  the  abbey 
close,  to  Chaingate,  at  the  entrance  of  St.  Magda- 
lene street,  where  it  supplies  another  bath,  and  from 
thence  flows  through  the  valley  until  it  falls  into 
the  river  Brent. 

The  ascent  to  the  Tor  through  the  first  and  se- 
cond fields,  is  tolerably  easy;  immediately  after 
follows  the  steepest  part,  from  whence  the  shape 
of  the  hill  is  seen  to  advantage,  resembling  a  series 
of  ramparts,  one  above  another,  occasioned  by 
large  masses  of  earth  which  have  gradually  sunk 
on  the  sides  of  the  hill.  The  ascent  now  becomes 
tolerably  easy  to  the  summit,  on  which  stands  the 
western  tower  of  the  chapel  of  St.  Michael,  which 
is  the  only  part  of  it  now  remaining.*  It  serves  a> 
a  land-mark  to  the  Bristol  channel,  and  is  in  good 
preservation,  except  the  east  side  of  it,  which  be- 
ing in  a  ruinous  state,  was  taken  down  many  years 
ago,  and  rebuilt  in  a  careless  manner,  without  auy 
regard  to  continuing  the  lines  of  the  mouldings, 
&c.  so  that  the  new  part  is  easily  distinguished 
from  the  old.  The  staircase  turret,  which  was  ta- 
ken down  at  the  same  time,  was  never  rebuilt.  The 
battlement  on  the  top  of  the  tower,  was  carefully 
restored  in  the  year  1804;  when,  on  clearing  the 

*  This  chapel  was  connected  with  the  abbey,  and 
according  to  tradition,  communicated  with  it  by  a 
Subterraneous  passage. 


O(j  THE    AVALOXIAX    GlIDF.. 

rubbish  eastward  of  the  tower,  the  foundations  of 
the  chapel  were  discovered. 

Over  the  west  door  are  two  emblematical  repre- 
sentations, in  panne! s  of  sculptured  stone;  and  in 
another  pannel,  near  the  battlement,  is  a  represent- 
ation of  a  spread  eagle.  An  oak  railing  surrounds 
the  tower,  and  seats  are  placed  in  the  angles  of  the 
buttresses. 

From  the  summit  of  the  Tor,  the  prospect, 
though  not  so  picturesque  as  from  a  less  elevation, 
is  very  extensive ;  exhibiting  a  general  view  of  the 
Avalonian  hills,  and  the  surrounding  valley,  bound- 
ed on  the  north  by  the  Mendip  hills,  at  the  foot 
of  which,  the  city  and  cathedral  of  Wells  are  con- 
spicuous; on  the  south  by  Poledown  and  other 
hills;  on  the  west  by  the  Bristol  channel,  where 
the  mouth  of  the  river  Brent  is  marked  by  a  high 
hill,  called  Brent  knoll;  and  on  the  east  by  some 
hills  on  the  borders  of  Wiltshire,  the  site  of  the 
ancient  forest  of  Selwood,  and  of  the  field  of 
King  Alfred's  victory  over  the  Danes.  The  spot 
may  be  distinguished  by  Alfred's  Tower,  a  high  tri- 
angular building,  erected  in  commemoration  of  the 
event,  by  Sir  R.  Hoare,  of  Stourhead. 

The  descent  from  the  Tor  is  usually  preferred 
on  the  north  east  side;  which,  though  extremely 
steep,  is  much  shorter  than  the  ascending  path, 
liiid  leads  through  some  lanes  and  corn  fields, 
to  the  brow  of  a  hill,  called  Bushey  Coombe, 


THE    AVALONIAN    GUIDE.  57 

where  the  scenery  is  extremely  picturesque,  look- 
ing down  on  a  deep  dale,  thickly  shaded  with 
bushes  and  large  trees,  on  the  right,  and  on  the 
abbey  ruins  in  front ;  the  abbey  church  appearing 
to  have  stood  in  a  direct  line  with  St.  Benedict's 
church,  the  tower  of  which  forms  a  conspicuous 
object  beyond  the  ruins.  The  path  now  rapidly 
descends,  and  enters  the  town  at  Chinkwell  Street. 

The  topographical  situation  of  Glastoubury,  is, 
perhaps,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  improve- 
able  in  the  kingdom;  the  soil  is  extremely  fertile, 
consisting  of  a  fine  black  mould,  to  a  considerable 
depth,  affording  a  quick  and  luxuriant  growth  to 
the  general  kinds  of  trees  and  vegetables. 

The  river  Brent  winds  round  near  the  west  side 
of  the  town,  and  would,  at  a  small  expence,  bear 
boats  of  sufficient  burden  to  form  an  advantageous 
commercial  communication  to  the  numerous  ports 
of  the  Bristol  channel. 

J.  C. 


FINIS. 


BRIEF  DESCRIPTION 


Cottegictfe  Church  and  Choir 


ST.   MARY, 

IN  THE 

BOROUGH  OF  WARWICK; 


3U  Concise  Account 

OF  THE 

Antiquities  and  Curiosities  of  the  same; 

AND  OF  THE 

C  H  A  F  E  1L 

Thereto  adjoining : 

Together  with  the  Tables  of  the  several  Benefactions  given  te 
the  said  Church  and  Parish. 


K.  B.  The  Profits  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  Books  are  to  be  disposed  of 
for  the  Use  of  the  Charity  Children  of  St  Mary's  Parish,  under  the  In- 
spection of  the  Vicar  and  Church-wardens. 


Warwick :  printed  by  H,  Sharps,  High-Stre«t, 
1813. 


A 

BRIEF  DESCRIPTION 


COLLEGIATE  CHURCH,  &c 


IN  which  are  ten  most  musical  Bells  and  Chimes,  is  at 
the  West  end  of  the  Church,  erected  on  groin  arches, 
supported  by  four  picis,  between  which  is  a  free  passage 
for  coaches,  &c.  Its  height  to  the  top  of  the  battlements 
is  130  feet.  To  the  top  of  the  pinnacle  is  174  feet.  Its 
diameter  at  the  base  32  feet  6  inches,  at  'he  summit  27  feet. 
The  length  of  the  Church  (including  the  Choir)  is  186 
feet  1  inch.  The  breadth  66  feet.  The  cross  aisle  is  106 
feet  and  a  half.  The  height  of  the  roof  42  feet  &;  a  half. 
The  length  of  the  Choir  11  feet  '6  inches.  The  breadth 
27  feet  4  inches.  Against  the  North,  West,  &  South  Sides 
of  the  Tower,  are  three  Dials  belonging  to  the  Clock. 

The  following  Inscription  is  on  the  North,  West,  and  South  Sides. 

TEMPLUM  B:  MARINE  COLLEGIATUM,  PR  I- 
MITUSAROG:  DE  NOVO  BURGO  COM:  WAR: 
STEPH:  R:  1NSTAURATUM  POSTEA  A  THO  : 
DE  BELLO-CAMPO  C  :  WAR  :  EX  TOTO  REFDI- 
FICATUM  ANNO  MCCCXCItll.  CONFLAGRA- 
TIONE  STUPENDA,  NON  ARIS,  NON  FOCIS 
PARCENTE,  DIRUi'UM  V°  SEP:  MDCXC1III. 
NOVUM  HOC,  PI  ETA  IE  PUBLIC  A  1NCHOATUM 
ET  PROVECTUM,  REG1A  ABSOLUTUM  EST  : 
SUB  LJEHS  ANN^E  AUSPICIIS,  ANNO  MEMOR- 
ABILI  MDCCI1II. 

Thus  translated. 

The  Collegiate  Church  of  St.  Mary,  first  repaired  by  Roger 
Newburg,  Earl  of  Warwick,  in  the  time  of  King  Stephen; 
afterwards  wholly  rebuilt  by  Thomas  Beaucliaoip,  Earl  of 
Warwick,  in  the  year  lp94.  Being  destroyed  165H,  by  a  dread- 
ful fire,  sparing  neither  temples  nor  houses,  this  new  Church 
began  and  carried  on  by  the  public,  was  finished  by  Royal 
piety,  under  the  joyful  auspices  of  Anne,  in  the  memorable 
year  1704. 

A  2  At 


4  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

At  the  West  end  of  this  Church  are  three  entrances, 
the  principal  of  which  is  under  the  Tower  ;  over  which 
is  a  stately  loft,  and  an  excellent  Oigan,  built  by  Thomas 
Swarebrick.  Against  the  said  wall,  in  the  Church,  are 
two  Boxes  to  receive  alms,  that  towards  the  North  for 
the  relief  of  the  Poor  when  sick,  the  other  towards  the 
South  for  the  me  ot  the  Charity  School.  On  the  left  of 
the  entrance  of  the  middle  aisle  is  a  capacious  Marble  Font, 
the  decorations  gilt. — On  each  side  of  this  aisle  is  a  large 
elegant  patent  Stove.— Further  on  are  erected  elegant  and 
spacious  Galleries,  two  very  large  Branches  of  polished 
brass  ;  and  at  the  West  end,  facing  the  Pulpit,  is  a  Time 
Piece  on  one  side,  and  the  Queen's  Arms  on  the  other. 
At  the  extremity  of  this  aisle  runs  a  cross  aisle  North  and 
South,  in  the  centre  of  which  is  the  entrance  of  the  Choir, 
by  a  pair  of  Iron  Gates,  of  good  workmanship,  on  each 
side  of  which  is  a  Stove  to  correspond  with  the  before 
mentioned. 

Between  the  Pulpit  and  the  Entrance  of  the  Choir,  is  a 
Vault,  belonging  to  that  truly  worthy  family  the  WISE'S, 
of  the  Priory,  Warwick,  over  which  are  laid  two  large 
flat  stones,  with  the  following  Inscriptions. 

Inthe  Vault  underneath  lieth  the  body  of  HENRY  WISE, 
Esq.  late  of  the  Priory,  who  departed  this  life  December 
the  1 5th,  Anno  Domini,  IT38,  aged  85  years. 

Mrs. 
PATIENCE  WISE,  Died  December 

the  seventh,  1751, 
In  the  78th  Year  of  her  Age. 

Let  me  die  the  Death  of  the  Righteous, 
And  let  my  last  End  be  like  Her's. 

MARY 

Wife  of  WM.  GREENWOOD,  D.  D. 

Died  April  27th,  1758, 

Aged  60  Years. 

JOHN  WISE, 

Died  Dec.  15th,  1754, 

Aged  45  Years. 

On 


St.  MARY'S  CHURCH,  &c.  5 

On  the  East  wall,  North  of  the  Chancel  gate,  is  a 
Marble  Monument,  with  a  Latin  Inscription,  to  the  me- 
mory of  John  Gibbons. 

Immortalitatem  heatani  exprctans 

Hie  jacet  JOANNES  GIBBONS 

In  agro  STAFFORDIENSI  ex  Honcsta 

Stirpe  Orindus, 
Vir  Probus,  modestus,  vere,  et 

Ex  Animo  Christianas, 
Qui  rebus  adversis  diu  probatus,  sed 

Non  fractus,  provecta  aetate 
In  amcenissimum  hoc  WERWICUM 

Praesidium  secessit ; 
Ubi,  quod  aevi  supererat, 
Deo  soli  dicavit,  et  saluti 
animae  suac,  qu'im  p:ie  et 

tranquille  reddidit 

Anno  .ffitat  76  :  Anno  Dom  :  MDCXCIII. 
scptem  Liberorum,  quos  ex  ELIZAEETHA 

Dilectissima  Uxore  suscepit,  Filia 
ROLANDI  FRITH  de  THORNES  Generosi, 

Viri  inteserrimi,  et  ob  suam  erga 

Regem  &  Ecclesiam  fidem  insignis 

Unicus  super?tes  W.  G.  M.  D. 

Parentie  optime  de  se  merito 

Hoc  Monumentum  L:  M:  poni  curavit. 

Thus  translated. 

In  expectation  of  a  blessed  Immortality, 

Here  lieth  JOHX  GIBBONS, 
Descended  from  a  genteel  Family 

In  the  County  of  Stafford  ; 
A  Man  of  real  Probiry  and  Modesty,  and, 
From  liis  Heart  »  Christian  ;  .. 

Wlio  being  lone  proved,  but  not  broken 
.    In  Adversity,  did,  in  an  advanced  Aa;e, 
Retire  to  the  most  pleasant  Town  of  Warwick, 
Where  the  Remainder  of  his  Age 
He  dictated  to  GOD  alone,  and 

The  Salvation  of  his  Soul. 

Which  he  piously  and  calmly  resign'd, 

In  the  76th  Year  of  his  Age,  of  our  Lord  1693. 

The  only  survivor  of  seven  children  which  he  begat  of 

Elizabeth, 


G  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

Elizabeth,  his  beloved  wife  (the  daughter  of  Roland  Frith, 
of  Thorns,  Gent,  a  man  of  great  integrity,  and  remarkable 
for  his  fidelity  to  the  King  and  to  the  Church.)  William 
Gibbons,  Doctor  of  Physic,  took  caie  to  have  this, monu- 
ment erected  to  a  father  who  deserved  his  best  regards. 

Near  to  the  above  monument  is  the  entrance  into  the 
Lobby,  and  against  the  East  and  West  wall,  are  five  tables 
of  Benefactions  to  this  Church  and  Parish,  and  Trophies 
belonging  to  Earl  Brook's  family. 

A  little  farther  to  the  North  are  two  Portraits  in  brass, 
on  a  marble  monument,  with  this  Inscription,  te  Thomas 
Oken,  and  Joan  his  Wife,  in  the  old  letter  and  spelling. 

Of  your  Chary  te  give  Thanks  for  the  Soules  of  Thomas 
Oken,  and  Jone  his  Wyff — on  whose  Soules  Jesus  hath 
Mercy,  Jesus  hath  Mercy — Amen — Remember  the  Cha- 
ryte  for  the  Pore  for  ever,  Anno  Dom.  MDLXXUI. 
Under  the  Brass,  upon  a  marble  tab/e,  is  inscribed  us  follows  : — • 

To  the  Memory  of  Mr.  THOMAS  OKEN,  an  Orna- 
ment to  his  own,  and  a  blessing  to  Ages  succeeding,  (This 
Monument  defaced  by  the  late  dreadful  fire,  is  Te-erected, 
and  dedicated  by  his  Feoffees,  the  MAYOR  and  ALDER- 
MEN  of  this  Borough),  Whose  Industry,  being  born  here 
of  mean  Parents,  was  so  blessed  in  the  Trade  he  exercised 
of  a  Mercer,  that  37th,  H.  8th,  he  was  Master  of  the 
Guild  of  the  Holy  Trinity.,  and  St.  George,  now  the  Hos- 
pkal  of 'the  Right  Honourable  E.  of  Leicester,  5th  of  P. 
and  Mariae,  Bailiffof  this  Borough,  and  dying  the  15th  of 
Eliz.  gave  to  Pious  and  Charitable  Uses  Here,  an  Estate, 
then  let  for  less  than  20/.  per  Ann.  now,  by  the  just  Care 
of  his  Feoffees,  advanced  (notwithstanding  the  loss  of  se- 
veral Houses  by  the  Fire)  to  more  than  450/.  per  Ann.  also 
fQO/.  to  purchase  Lands  to  enlarge  the  Commons,  SO/,  to 
the  Poor  1  Ol.  to  30  Poor  Maidens  tor  Marriages,  94  Ounces 
of  wrought  Plate,  foi  the  Use  of  the  Bailiffs  successively. 
And  to  the  Borough  of  Stratford  and  Banbury  40/.  each, 
lo  be  lent  to  honest  Tradsmen.  Vide  Dugdale's  War. 

This  charity,  Reader,  was  so  wisely  instituted,  and  the 

trust 


St.  MA  R  Ts  CHUR  CH,  &c.  7 

trust  so  honestly  executed,  that  if  to  thy  faith  thou  art 
disposed  to  join  good  works  thou  needs  seek  no  farther 
for  a  model,  or  encouragement  or  opportunity,  for  ye  have 
(he  Poor  with  you  always. 


At  the  North  end  is  a  Marble  Monument,  with  this 
Inscription  : — 

Juxta  Situs  est 

FRANCISCUS  CHERNOCKE,  Gen: 

Antiquu  Baronettorum  cognominum 

in  Com:  BEDF.  familia  oriundus 

Vir  probus  et  liberalis, 
Qui  a  quibusdam  Honoratiss:  Baronibus 
et  Illustriss:  Comitibus  per  quadraginta 

fere  aiinos  Redituum  Procurator 
adhibitus,  Muuus  illud  Sumtna  fide 
pcritia  et  dignitate  utrobique  gessit 

Ornavitque 
Obiit  quarto  Aprilis  A.  D.  1727, 

^EtatisSuae  Sexagesimo  nono 

In  cujas,  optiini  Sell.     Patris,  memorum 

Exile  hoc  monumentum 

Posuit  Robertus  filius. 

Thus  translated. 

Near  this  Place  lieth 

FRANCIS  CHERNOCKE,  Gent. 

Descendant  from  an  antient  Family, 

Which  had  tlie  surname  of  Baronets, 

In  the  County  of  Bedf»rd. 
A  Man  of  Probity  and  Liberality, 

Being  employ'd  as  Steward 

By  some  very  honourable  Barons 

and  illustrious  Earls,  for  almost  40  Years. 

He  adorn'd  and  executed  that  Office  in 

everv  Rt-spect 

With  the  greatest  Fidelity,  Dignity,  and  Skill. 
He  died  on  the  4th  Day  of  April,  A.  D.  1727. 

of  his  Age  69. 

To  whose  Memory,  as  the  best  of  Fathers* 

Robert,  his  Son,  hath  put  up  this  small 

Monument. 

At 


8  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

At  the  same  end  is  another  Marble  Monument,  with  this 
Inscription  : — 

S:  D:  G: 

THOMAS  HEWITT 
Pecator  Miserrimus 

Infra  Sepultus, 
InstaHlitais  Humanae, 

Fragilitatis  Vitas 

Certaeque  Mortis  sibi  Obrepentis  Memor, 

(Cujus  Exuvias  in  Subjacente  Sepulehro, 

Cum'  Deo  Opt.  Max.  Visum  fuerit, 

Depositas  esse  Volens) 
Marmoream  hanc  Tabellatn 
Post  Obitum  hie  Erigendam 

Vivus  parabat: 

Qui  felicem  praestolans  Resurrectionem 

Per  Sola  Christ!  Salvatoris  Merita, 

Immortalem  efflavit  Animam 

Ultimo  Die  Januarij 

Anno  Unici  Mediatoris  nostri 

MDCCXXXVII; 

Et  ./Etatis  su33 

LXXIV. 
i  Nescis  qua  Hora 

Hodie  itaque  Resipisce 

Ac  aeternum  Salve. 

T.  H.  Natus  erat  19  Die  Julij  A.  D.  1664. 

Disce  Mori 

ut  Vivas. 

Thus  translated. 

Glory  be  to  God  alone  : 

THOMAS  HEWITT, 

A  most  miserable  Sinner, 

buried  underneath. 
Recalling  to  Mind  the  Instability  and  Frailty  of 

human  Life, 

And  the  Certainty  o{  Death  creeping  upon  him, 

(Being  desirous  that  his  Remains  should  be  deposited 

in  the  subjacent  Sepulchre,  when  it  seems  good 

to  God,  the  greatest  and  best  of  Beings) 

Did,  in  his  Life,  prepare  this  Marble  Table, 

To  be  erected  in  this  Place  after  his  Death, 

Who  waiting  for  a  happy  Resurrection, 

Thro' 


St.  MARTS  CHURCH. 

Thro'  the  sole  Merits  of  Christ  his  Saviour, 
Breath'd  out  his  immortal  Soul 

on  the  last  Day  of  January, 
In  the  Year  of  our  only  Mediator  1737, 

and  of  his  Age  74. 

You  know  not  at  what  Hour,  - 

Therefore  repent  To-day, 

And  be  saved  for  ever. 
T.  H.  was  born  the  19th  Day  of  July,  1664, 

Learn  to  die, 
That  you  may  live. 


At  the  same  end  is  also  another  Marble  Monument,  with  thie 
Inscription  : — 

Hunc  prope  Locum,  in  Sepulchre  Camerata 

Jacet 
Gulielmus  Johnston,  M.  D.  Coll.  Reg.  LOND. 

MED.  Socius  Senior. 
VIR  probus,  Justus,  Honestus,  verus  Charitatis 

Cultor. 

Amator  Gratitudinis,  Constantis  Memorias. 

Quae  plura  cupis,  benigna  Loquatur  Fama. 

Obiit  22  Die  Novembris.  Anno  Dom.  1725. 

jEtat.  Suae  82. 

In  eodem  Sepulchre,  conditur  ANNA  uxor  ejus, 
quas  Censum  Trium  Millium,  Centumq  ;  plus, 

minus,  Librarum,  Quern  Moriens  reliquit 
Universum  (Debitis  suis  &  legatis  prius  Subductis) 
In  opportunum  Egenorum  Subsidium  Testamento 

suo,  erogatum  voluit ; 

quo  Fundos  suos  omnes  elocatos,  una  cum  Bonis, 

quaecunq  ;  ei  suppctebant,  personalfous,  primo 

quoque  Tempore  vendendos,  et  Pecunia  inde 

accrescenti,  Fundos  Liberos,  in  commitatu  Sitos 

WARWICENSI,  emendos  mandavit. 
Quorum,  uti  &  omnium,  quas  apud  WARWICENSES 

habuit,  Domorum  Reditus  annuos  Pauperibus 
Hujas  Burgia,  FideiCommissariis  Singulis  Annis 

distribuendos  in  perpetuum  Legavit. 
Obiit  Quarto  Die  Aprilis,  Anno  Dni.  1753. 

vEtat.  suse  84. 
B  Thw 


10  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

Thus  translated. 

Near  this  Place  in  a  Vault 

Lieth 

William  Johnston,  Doctor  of  Physic,  Senior  Fellow 

of  the  Royal  College  of  Physicians  in  London. 

A  man  of  Probity,  Justice,  Honesty,  who  cultivated 

In  himself  real  Principles  of  Charity. 

A  Lover  of  Gratitude  : 
Do  you  desire  to  know  more  of  him, 
-    Let  propitious  Fame,  of  never-failing  Memory, 

Speak  the  rest. 

He  died  on  the  22d  Day  of  Nov.  1725, 
Aged  82  Years. 

lit  the  same  Vault  is  laid  Ann  his  Wife, 

Who  hy  her  last  Will  commanded  her  whole  Estate 

of  about  30007.  and  100/.  which  she  left  at 

her  Death, 

(Her  debts  and  Legacies  being  first  discharg'd/ 
To  be  laid  out  for  the  seasonable  Relief  of 

poor  People. 

By  her  Will  she  likewise  ordered 

That  all  her  Lands  which  were  situated  at  a  Distance, 
Together  with  the  personal  Estates  she  then 

possess'd, 
To  be  sold,  the  first  Opportunity,   and  with  the 

Money  thence  arising, 
Other  Freeholds  Lands  to  be  bought,  situated 

in  the  County  of  Warwick. 

The  Revenue  of  which,  as  also  of  all  the  Houses  the 

possess'd  in  Warwick,  she  bequeathed  to  Trustees, 

to  be  laid  out  every  Year  for  the  Poor  of 

this  Borough  for  ever. 

She  died  the  4th  Day  of  April,  in  the  Year  of 
our  Lord  1733,  of  her  Age  84. 

On  the  West  wall  of  the  Cross  Aisle,  is  a  Marble 
Monument,  with  this  Incription  :  -- 

Near  this  Place  are  Interr'd 
The  Bodies  of  George  and  Mury  Webb, 

Late  of  this  Town. 
He  was  a  good  Christian, 

A  tender 


Sf.  MARTS  CHURCH.  &c.  11 

A  tender  Husband, 

A  lincere  Friend, 

And  a  kind  Benefactor  to  the  Poor. 

She  a  Woman, 

Of  exemplary  Piety  and  Charity, 
Endued  with  all  the  Graces  that 

Adorn  the  Christian  Life. 

He  died  the  9th  of  July  A.  D.  1732.    Aged  79  Years. 
She  died  17th  of  June  A.  D.  1743.     Aged  70  Years. 


Against  the  North  Aisle  is  a  Marble  Monument,  with 
this  Inscription  : 

Juxta  jacent 
Sterilesjam  &  elanguidi 

Sacrae  Quercus 
Radix,  Surculus,  Ramusculi. 

viz. 
FRANCISCUS  HOLYOKE  als  de 

Sacra  Quercu  Radix 
THOMAS  FRANCISCI  Surculus  unicus; 

Ambo  Superioris  Notae  Lexicographi 
JUDITHA  FRANCISCI  ANNA  THOMJ?, 

Uxor 

Quorum  THOM.&  ANN./E  que  Ramusculi 
Numero  duodecim  in  Vit»  haud  penitus  Obscuri, 

Quorum  Unus, 
Scholaeapud  Rugby  Com.    VARVICI 

per  XLIII  annos  Moderator 
Hanc  Tabulam  Annaliura  loco, 

Erexit. 

Qui  &  Ipse  contabuit  x  die  Martij 
C    Dom:  MDCCXXX. 
*•—••  LXXII. 


Thus  translated. 

Not  far  from  hence  lie, 

Now  indeed  steril  and  languid, 

The  Root,  Shoot,  and  Branches 

of  the  Holy  Oake, 

Viz. 
FRANCIS  HOLYOKE,  or  the  Root  of  the 

Holy  Oake, 
THOMAS  the  only  Shoot  of  FRANCIS, 

Both 


12  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

Both  of  them  Lexicographers  of  Superior 

Character. 
JUDITH  the  Wife  of  FRANCIS,  ANNE  the 

Wife  of  THOMAS, 
The  Branches  of  which  THOMAS  and  ANNE, 

twelve  in  Number, 
Were  not  entirely  of  no  Account  in  the  World, 

One  of  which, 

The  Master  of  the  School  at  Rugby, 

In  the  County  of  WARWICK,  during  43  Years, 

Erected  this  Table  to  supply  the  Place  of  Annals; 

Who  also  himself  withered  away  on  the  10th 

Day  of  March, 

T    .L     ir       ^    of  our  Lord  1730. 
In  the  Year  J   of  hig  Age  ^ 

«=o»»e^»»«c&.i 

In  the  Lobby  is  a  Marble  Monumenl,  with  a  modest 
but  very  elegant  Latin  Inscription : 

Si  quaeras  Viator  !  quis  hie  Jacet  ? 

Faucis  habe. 

Fui  Franciscus  Parker. 

Londini  Natus,  Eductus  Cantabrigiae 

Ubi  obtinui,  nescio  an  merui, 

Artium  Magistri  gradum : 

Inservij 
Dominis,  Francisco,  Roberto,  Fulconi  Brooke 

Astudijs,  ab  Epistolis,  a  Rationibus: 
Annos  praeterpropter  quadraginta  quinque: 

Quam  integre  quam  assidue 
Superstites,  qui  norunt,  dicaut, 

Decessi  Londini 
,    In  ^Edibus,  quibus  plerusq ;  degeram, 

Brookkianis, 
10  Die  Novembris, 

C    Dom.  1693. 
Aano  \    .Etat.  67. 

Cum  Dominis  meis  iuxta  abdormiscentibus 
Resurgens  Laetus  audiam 
Euge  bone  et  fidelis  Serve. 

Thus  translated. 

If  you  ask,  Traveller,  Who  lies  here  ?  Take  the 
Account  in  few  Words. 

J.  W «S 


St.  MAR TS  CH UR CH,  & e.  13 

I  was  Francis  Parker, 
Born  at  London,  educated  at  Cambridge, 
Where  I  obtain'd  (I  know  not  whether  I 

deserv'd  it ), 
The  Degree  of  Master  of  Arts. 

I  served 

The  Lords  Francis,  Robert,  Fulk  Brook, 
In  the  Character  of  Tutor,  Secretary,  and 

Steward, 

For  almost  Forty-five  Years, 

With  what  Integrity  and  Assiduity, 

Let  the  Survivors,  who  know  it,  declare  : 

I  deceas'd  at  London, 
In  the  House  belonging  to  the  Brooks, 

where  I  generally  liv'd, 
On  the  10th  of  November, 

T     .u    v        ^    of  our  Lord  1693. 
In  the  Year  •<      f         A       „_ 
(    of  my  Age  67. 

When  I  rise  again  with  my  Lords,  who  are  sleeping 

near  me,  may  I  hear  the  joyful  Eulogy, 

WELL  DONE  THOU   GOOD   AND 

FAITHFUL  SERVANT  ! 

On  the  South  side  of  the  Choir  Gates  is  a  Marble 

Monument,  with  this  Inscription  : 

In  Obitum  JOHANNIS  NORTON,  Generosi, 

Hujus  municipij  nuper  Senescalli,  et  deput :  Recordatoris ; 

Qui  Obijt.  Sep.  14,  1635. 
Sed  non  totus  Obijt,  melior  pars  ^Ethere  Vivif, 

Dum  Terra  meritis  debita  Fama  Viget, 
Frater  amans,  Conjux  fidus  Virtutis  et  jEqui 
Cultor  erat;  Nequeunt  haec  monumenta  Mori. 

Ad  Latus  JOHANNIS  Jacit  Uxor  ISRAEL  THO  : 

WOODWARD  Filia, 

Aliquando  de  Bull.  Marston  in  Agro  Warw.  Generosi; 

Quas  ob  eximiam  pietatem  memorabilis, 

E  vita  decessit,  Nov.   29,  1615. 

luxtaSepultaestANNA  NORTON,  HENRICI  PORTER 

Filia, 
Nuper  de  Edgberston  in  Com.  Warw.  Genercsi; 

Vidua 


I*  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

ViduaTHOMjE  NORTON,  predict!  JOH;  ct  ISRA:  Fil.if 

Unici, 

(Apud  Knole  id  Eodem  Com.  Immati) 
Haeo  annis  et  pietate  matura,  vitam  deposuit, 
Maij.  14:  1698, 

Epitaphium,  in  memoriam  JOH :  NORTON,  Incendio 

dirutu, 

A  :  D  :  1694.  de  novo  posuerunt  cum  infra  Scripti*. 
Nepotes  JOHN  :  et  EDW.  NORTON,  A.  D.  1709. 

Thus  translated. 

On  the  Death  of  JOHN  NORTON,  Gent. 
Of  this  Borough,  Steward  and  Deputy  Recorder, 

Who  Died  Sep.  14,   1635. 

But  he's  not  wholly  dead, — his  better  part 

In  Heaven  lives — while  Fame,  due  to  his  Deeds, 

Still  flourishes  on  Eurth  ; — a  Brother  kind, 

A  Husband  faithful,  in  whose  Breast  were  sown, 

Strong  Principles  of  Virtue,  and  of  Right. 

These  immaterial  Monuments  defy 
Death's  mortal  Sting — and  Time's  corroding  Tooth. 

At  the  Side  of  JOHN  licth  his  Wife  ISRAEL,  Daugh- 
ter of  THOMAS  WOODWARD,  sometime  of  Butler's- 
Marston,  in  the  County  of  Warwick,  Gentleman — who, 
memorable  for  her  excellent  Piety,  departed  from  thi$ 
Life  Nov.  29th,  1615. 

Neai  this  Place  is  Burned  ANNE  NORTON,  daugh- 
ter of  HENRY  PORTER,  lately  of  Edgberston,  in  the 
County  of  Warwick,  Gentleman,  Widow  of  THOMAS 
NORTON,  only  Son  of  the  before-mentioned  JOHN  and 
ISRAEL,  (who  was  buried  at  Knowle  in  the  same  County) 

She  being  mature  in  Piety  and  Age  laid  down  this  Life 
May  14th,  1698. 

The  Epitaph  on  the  Memory  of  JOHN  NORTON, 
being  destroyed  by  Fire,  1694,  was  put  up  afresh,  with 
the  underwritten  Lines,  by  his  Grand-Children,  JOHN 
and  EDWARD  NORTON,  A.  D.  1709. 

Farther 


St.  MARY'S  CHURCH,  &c.  U 

Farther  on  is  a  Marble  Monument  with  the  Effigies  in 
Brass  of  Thomas  Beauchamp  and  his  Wife,  with  thii 
Inscription  : 

D.O.M.  et  ^Eterne  Memories 

Sacrum. 
Qui  Templum  hoc  frustra  in  Mausolceum,  ipsasque 

Aras  in  Refugium  habuit, 

E  Somno,  quo  Trecentos  ampJius  annos  jacuit  Sepultus 
Qucmque  not  nisi  Communi  Rerum  Rogo  perterbatum  in 

putarat,  experrectus, 
Assurgit  ecce,  et  adstat 

rir  ille  inclytus  pietatc  etbellica  Virtute  aeque  insignii, 
Regum  nunc  Amor,  nunc  Invidia,  Regno  semper 

dileetus; 
Fortunae  aliquandiu  lusus,  tandem  Victor,  blandienti  Par, 

Novercante  Major; 
Heroum  nominis  semper  Galliae  terribilis  tantum  non 

ultimus 

THOMAS  de  BELLOCAMPO  Comes  VARVICI, 
Insularum  GUERNSEY,  SERKE,  et  AURENEY  Praefectus, 

Ordinis  Periscelidis  Eques, 

EDVARDO  in.  Principi  Faelici.  invicto,  ob  res  egregias 
AAGLIA  et  GALLIA  gestas  in  paucis  charus  : 
RICHARDO  u.  Minorenui  per  Conventum  Regni 

Ordinum  Curator  Admotus: 
Eodem  Rege  Sui  aut  Suorum  potius  juris  facto  msjestati* 

damnatus,  in  MANNIAM  deportatus, 
Ab  HENRICO  iv.  ad  Ceusus  et  Honores  postliminio, 

revocatus : 

Qui,  cum  Satis  Patriae,  sibi,  et  Gloria;,  suae  vixisset, 
Una  cum  MAR  GAR  ETTA  Uxore  sua  hie  loci  contumulatus, 

ANNO  DOM.    MCCCCI, 
Ne  in  Cineribus  ^Edis  hujus  Collegiatas,  quam  ipse 

extruxerat,   periret  et  Monumentum, 

•epulchrale  fundatoris,  Imagines  hasce  sacrilegis  ereptax 

Flammis,  erigi  curavit  Unus 

eFlDElCOMMISSARIJS  ad   URBEM  et^EDEM   IiailC  SACK  AM 

redificaiuias  Senatus  Decreto  constitutis, 

et  Mernoriae  tanti  Nominis  JfLre  et  Marmore  percnniori* 

Hoc  quali  quali  Elogio  Parentat, 

ANNO  DOM.  MDCCVJ. 


16  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

Thus  translated. 

Sacred 

To  the  best  and  greatest  God,  and  to  Eternal 
Memory. 

Having  had  this  Temple  in  vain  for  his  Mausoleum,  and 
its  Altars  for  his  Refuge,  but  awaken'd  from  that  Sleep  in 
which  he  had  lain  buried  more  than  Three  Hundred  Years, 
and  which  he  thought  would  not  be  disturbed,  but  by  the  gen- 
eral Conflagration:  Lo !  there  now  ariseth  and  standeth 
before  you, 

That  famous  Man  equally  renowned  for  his  Piety  and 
Valour:  One  while  the  Love,  another  while  the  Envy  of 
Kings;  always  beloved  by  the  Kingdom.  Sometimes  the 
Sport  of  Fortune,  at  length  her  Conqueror:  Equal  to  her 
Smiles :  Greater  than  her  Frowns :  Almost  the  last  of  a 
Name  always  terrible  to  France: 

Thomas  Beauchamp,  Earl  of  Warwick,  Governor  of 
the  Isles  of  Guernsey,  Serke,  and  Aureney  ;  Knight  of  the 
Order  of  the  Garter ;  Of  some  Esteem  with  the  fortunate 
invincible  Prince  Edward  Hid.  on  Account  of  his  famous 
Exploits  performed  in  England  and  France  ;  promoted  by 
a  Convention  of  the  Orders  of  the  Realm  to  be  Governor 
to  Richard  the  lid.  during  his  Minority.  Condemned  for 
High  Treason,  when  the  same  King  was  made  Master  of 
himself,  or  rather  of  his  Subjects.  Banished  to  the  Isle 
of  Man  ;  recalled  from  Banishment  by  Henry  the  IVth.  to 
his  Estate  and  Honours  ;  who,  when  he  had  lived  long 
enough  for  his  Country,  himself,  and  his  Reputation,  was,, 
together  with  his  Wife  Margaret,  buried  in  this  Place. 
In  the  Year  of  our  Lord,  1401. 

That  the  Sepulchral  Monument  of  the  Founder  might 
not  perish  in  the  Ashes  of  this  Collegiate  Church,  which 
he  himself  had  built,  These  Images,  snatched  from  the 
sacrilegious  Flames,  were  erected  by  the  Care  of  one  of 
the  Commissioners  appointed  by  Act  of  Parliament  for  the 
rebuilding  the  Town  anil  this  sacred  Church,  and  who  of- 
fers this  Eulogium,  such  as  it  is,  as  a  kind  of  Funeral  Ob- 
sequy  to  the  Memory  of  so  great  a  Name,  a  Name  more 
durable  than  Brass  or  Marble. 

Anno  Dora.  1706. 

Next 


9i.  VARTS  CHURCH.                       17 

Next  -  '  that  august  Fi  on:  is  piece  in  the  Goihic 

t>«.-.  -    carved,  and    hmshed    in  U'ai  A\  ;ck 

>:n;  .  ear  l~0l,    l>v  a  po»>r  mason  ot  War- 

wick, the  t  .    .  :o  '.h'~  Lady'*  Chapci. 


At  the  Soulh    eri'J  of  the  Crosi  aisle    is  a  Marble  Monu- 
ni(.'.,r,   with  thr>  Inscription:  — 

In  »  Vault  near  t;iis  Place  lit-lh  the  livu!  v  of  HK\R  v  BEAU. 
FOY.  tsq.  of  LDMONDSCOT,  in  tiit-  County  i,!'  \\"/»RW;CK  ;  — 
dr.sct-iKicd  ul  an  anc'iMU  iiiui  uuiiic  Family  of  N  ORM  A  s  n  v,  \\lio 
c.-mie  iiit«.»  C.NGLAND  at  tin-  '.  ..iriiu-  t.  HK  MiUTji-d  MARY 
t!ie  Daugiiter  ut"  Sir  \\A'.I:.I.  \\'ALKER,  Hurt,  who  left 
1  1  live  Sons,  HEN.  HERC^LKS,  and  \VALTF.R.  who  lie  buried 
with  him  in  this  Vault.  11  D,uiginer<,  MARY,  Lu^;, 

MARTHA,    ?tiid    ELIXACLTI;. 

He  had  in  this  Place  :i  large  Tomb  erected  by  his  VV  iclow 
for  him,  that  ua-,  c'.e^ro-  c(i  by  the  Fire  or  \V  AR\MCK  ; 
for  which  Reason  MARTHA  his  last  surviving  Daughter 
at  her  Decease  did  at  t:tr  u\vn  Charge,  and  Desire,  caui-e 
this  Mou  urgent  and  lnscnp::on  to  be  erected,  a.-,  a  smai  1 
Remembrance  of  l^er  inu'.  !i  honoured  Fatlier  :  bhe  Mar- 
ried Sir  SAM,  GAX.TH,  K:iu;h:,  Dr.  of  Physic,  and  kft 
one  only  Daughter  *ttd  Liciress.  BLALTOY,  who  Manila 
%\'M  BOYLE.  E>q.  Son  to  the  Hon.  HENRY  BOYLE, 
and  the  Right  Hon.  Laiiv  MARY  his  Wife  —  Son  and 
Daughter  ot  the  Righi  Hon.  ihe  Earl  ot  ORRERY  and 
IKCHIQUEIN  of  the  Kingdom  ot  IRELAND. 
(Without  Date) 

Against  the  wall  of  the  Sourh  aMe  is  a  Marble 
Monument,  with  this  Inbcripiioii:  — 

QVI  HIC  DORMIT 
AVI  LH  ELM  US    VINER, 

Full  olum  Illustrissimo  Domino,  Fulconi,  Domino  Brook,  pe«- 
uniios  fere  quudraginta  oeconunHi«,  quemque  nmiu-re  suo, 
«umma  fide  solertiaque,  defunctum,  co  iu  pietio  hubuit  hono- 
ratissimus  Baro,  ut  hiiic  petens  b:  atas  seclcseum  illis  accensuerit 
quibus  curam  Testament!  sui  delegavit.  Vir  plane  antiqni* 
mjribus,  et  cui  parem,  effusa  praesertim  dextra,  vix  iuveneris: 
C 


18  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

i  J 

Scholas  duas  admodum  horidas,  et  ruinae  propiores,  alteram, 
Norlechae,  in  agro  Glocestriensi,  in  hac  urbe  alteram,  Sumtu 
non  exiguo  redintegravit  et  oppido  elegantes  reddidit.  Quin 
ethane  Warwicensem  perenni  Sex  librarum  reditu(ut  et  hospi- 
tium  quod  est  Lemintoniae  sesquilibrali)  auxit,  Magna  hasc  in 
censu  non  magno :  quippe  centum  annuas  non  superante,  et 
quatuor  filiolis  future  patrimonio,  coelitibus  mature  sibi  praema- 
ture  suis,  Septuagenarius,  accessit  Aprilis  xxviii,  Anno  Domini 
1639. 

Thus  translated. 

He  who  sleeps  here  was  WILLIAM  VINER,  Steward  to 
the  most  Illustrious  Lord.Fulke  Lord  Brook,  during  the  Space 
of  almost  forty  Years  :  And  who  having  discharged  his  Office 
with  the  greatest  Fidelity  and  Skill,  was  held  in  such  Esteem 
by  the  very  Honourable  Baron,  that  when  he  endeavoured  to 
secure  a  happy  Seat  in  Heaven  on  his  Removal  hence  he  add- 
ed him  to  those  to  whom  he  committed  the  Care  of  his  last 
Testament. — A  Man  entirely  of  ancient  Manners,  and  to  whom 
you  will  scarcely  find  an  equal,  particularly  in  point  of  Libe- 
rality. Two  Schools  in  a  very  wretched  Condition,  and  almost 
ruined,  the  one  at  Norlech,  in  the  County  of  Gloucester,  the 
other  in  this  Town,  he  with  no  small  Expence  repaired,  and 
rendered  very  elegant.  Besides  the  Revenue  of  this  School 
in  Warwick,  lie  improved  with  the  perpetual  Addition  of  six 
Pounds  per  Annum  :  As  also  the  Revenue  of  the  Hospital  of 
Lemington  with  thirty  Shillings  per  Annum. — 'These  considera- 
ble Things  he  did  with  no  considerable  Estate,  it  not  exceeding 
one  Hundred  Pounds  yearly,  including  a  Patrimony  to  be  left 
to  four  Children. — He  was  added  to  the  number  of  the  Hea- 
venly Inhabitants,  maturely  for  himself,  but  prematurely  for 
his  Friends,  in  the  70th  Year,  on  the  28th  of  April,  Ann* 
Dom.  1639. 

THE  CHOIR, 


JL  HIS  structuie,  and  the  adjoining  Chapel,  equally  de- 
monstrate, how  closely,  in  the  pursuit  of  Nature's  best 
directions,  our  ancestors  designed  and  built ; — a  noble, 

awful 


St.  MARY'S  CHURCH,  &c.  19 

awful,  and  elegantly  pleasing  tnste,  harmoniously  blended, 
is  there  expressed  in  stone  ;  and  sympathetically  affects 
each  sensible  surveyor  with  adequate  ideas  to  the  Place  ; 
where  no  redundant  sameness  or  diversity  satiates,  or  even 
palls  the  most  enlivened  Fancy  :  nor  is  there  one  beauty 
wanting,  either  to  feed  or  nourish  the  most  exalted 
judgment. 

Entering  the  Choir  by  three  stone  steps,  on  either  side 
there  are  two  ranges  of  Stalls,  &c.  in  four  directions  ;  on 
the  most  wonderful  and  delightful  stone  ceiling,  are  carved 
and  enriched  the  founder's  arms,  ako  the  arms  of  his  two 
wives  quartered  with  his,  embosomed  by  seraphims. — 
There  are  four  floors,  each  ascending  one  step  above  ano- 
ther to  the  Altar,  which,  though  modern,  and  not  quite 
appropriate  to  the  antiquity  of  the  building,  is  esteemed  an 
excellent  piece  of  joinery  The  East  window  is  replete 
with  painting  upon  glass,  of  sacred  history,  &c. 

On  the  South  Side,  fixed  to  a  slab  of  marble,  is  a  brass 
plate,  with  an  epitaph,  upon  the  death  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Chowne,  who  died  the  last  day  of  August,  1597. 

Here  lies  Elizabeth,  twice  happy  Wife; 
Of  two  good  virtuous  Men,  blest  from  above  ; 
With  botli  and  without  both,  a  godly  Life 
Till  seventie-five  she  liv'd  in  perfect  Love. 
Resting  a  Widdow  eyght  and  twentic  Yeares 
Joyeng  to  see  his  dearest  fcsue  wed 
Before  hir  God  in  Glory  she  appeares 
Hir  Corps  feed  Woormes,  hir  Sowle  by  Christ  is  fed. 
Anno  jEtas  suae  75. 

U^on  a  flat  Stone  this  Inscription  : 

Here  lieth  the  Body  of  Stephen  Bolton,  Esq;  Lord  of  the 
Manor  cf  Warwick,  who  departed  this  Life,  the  17th  Day  of 
January,  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord,  1672. 


Nearer  the  Altar  is  a  high-polished   Marble  Monument, 

with  this  Inscription  : — 
Beatana  placide  expectans  Resurrectionem, 
Sub  isto  Tumulo   requieseit    THOMAS  PUCKERING, 

Miles 


20  A   D  E,!?C  R /  P770 .V  o/- 

Milo<  et  Barnnettus,  Filins  Jnhannis  Puckcrintr,  Domini 
Custodis  mafMii  SiViiH  A'^l^r,  Natu  min.iimus  :  Hseres 
taiTien  dno'ys  jtrioribiis  in  Infantia  a  Morfe  aiicorptis  qui 
tamers'  -i  nueriri'i,  in  Anla  mria  per  Sepreonium  imuitritn% 
in  pnq  ;  Honoris  'ito  :  FavorisGradli,  !.if  solus  Henrico  Principi, 
jacobi  Rerris  Fiiio  prtmii^f nit",  Sttidmram  Piirtice'p1!  .arlmis?us 
p-^s^t :  perva^iitus  r-o^foa  m;iioreni  Cnltiiiivinque  Christian!  orhi«! 
prr  qiri?:rir  (V>rp  Anr.os  Partem,  reversus  tarnc'ii  in  I'.-itrifr.ii, 
V'ifam  Aulic;tn\  po^-t  Mortem  inC'.Miiparabil^s  illius  Principis 
H'.-ri  sui  eU-mfntissiroi  arq  ;  arn-jiiti8?ii,nl  (quern  Dein  dinnipo- 
ten?  [)r'>  «i!!TiMi:i  in  ipsum  Mi'serjct>r.diii  et  jusfa  in  ropulam 
in<;:-.itnm  tudi'snation'e  «ibi  in  Trelum  a<Kump«<en^)  reampjecti 
noltiit.  qn'p)  ;!ci-r:v.vr  sr-iir-qn-.-  Vr:!tc  tarn  uulicae  quam  urbano; 
i! ler'-hr 'i.i,  r:istic:«Tn  [TTtpote]  P"'o  i»servi«*<i(|o  sihifjtW  v:ic!»!ulo 
m-ixitnc  i'tnnp^un  dcinccps  tlc^cfi'  i-l'-yet :  in  q.u-i  Ciji^r-intrr 
ptTsevi-raris,  -in«uli^  Munerjbus  t'niic'us  quae  sieve  rj-rjio  F:iv<>re, 
sivi  popular!  3^;ievuler.tia,  in  rqufitris  Dignl fati^  Viros  Bfne- 
mcritos  :uri  -Hjentep  coni'ern  ^oit-nf,  Cursuin  (Viiciter  pcregit, 
Annum  afjens  /Etatis  suae  quadntgessiniurti  quin.turn. 

Uxoretn  Ha'niit  unnm  F,!izahpth;ini,  nempe  Filiam  unicam 
fohanni's  VIoriey  Rquitis  aiirati  f  \  P rnviivi  i  Snsscxiana  :  Filias 
>-'\  <ja  su^cpnti  Tivs,  qn-iriim  •  ^vi^invi  Natu  !rr;uicis:i  Infant  oc- 
cijixiif,  piTiiiid-->  Ccceli  i  mento  i'atri  IT  cliitrissuna,  senex 
[quod  vixn;edi  poterir]  siu^u,.iri  Pie.tate,  aet  :•;•  juvenis,  drcimo 
tertio  -uino  1etatic;  su;c  niundo  valcjixlj,  tertia  vltinia  Jai?a  7m. 
a^ens  Annum  jam  Superstes  sula  inox  est  muritura. 

Tints  translated  : 
In  the  cairn  Expectation  of  a  happy  Resurrertion, 

Under  this  Tomb  restctl.  THOMAS  PUCKERING,  Knight 
and  3-iron^.t.  Y  ungc-st  Son  of  JOHN  PUCKERING,  Lord 
Keeper  uf  the  Gr;;.r.  SEAL  of  Emjlaiu],  yet  Heir  to  his  two 
elder  Brothers.,  snatched  away  in  their  Infancy  by  Death,  who 
notwithstanding  his  Education  in  the  Royal  Pahsce,  for  thfi 
Space  of  Seven  Years,  and  his  huviiiq  attained  so  hi^li  a  De- 
gree of  Honour  as  to  be  the  only  Person,  admitted  fellow  Stu- 
dent to  Prince  Henry,  eldest  Son  to  Kin^  James,  and  notwith- 
standing inV,  iiavintj  travelled  throuwh  the  greater  and  more 
polite  parts  of  the  Christian  World  tor  almost  four  Years,  yet 
u '><)!>  his  Return  to  his  Country,  would  not  again  re-en>b,raCt 
the  Liu1  of  a  Courtier,  alter  the  Death  of  that  incomparable 


•&,  MAWS  CH-URCH.  &c.  SI 

e  ii's  most  ^mr'niis  and  'iffectionate  Master  (whom  GOD 
GHTY,  »hrough  his  areiit  Mercy  to  him,  and  just  Indig- 
nation fo  an  ungrateful  People,  h;fd  taken  to  himself  to  Heaven) 
hut  beir.cr.  \veary  of  the  alluring  Charms  which  attend  a  Court 
N!,d  a  Ciry  Life,  he  ufrerward*  chose  to  live  in  the  Country,  as 
•<  nictho'i  of  Life  most  proper  for  the  serving  of  God,  and  givintr 
nil  Opportunity  to  be  :it  Leisure  for  himself;  in  which 
tnntlv.persevifcing,  after  having  discharged  thost-  particular 
<"'  "Bees,  which  ^.hi-rby  Hoyal  Fnvour,  or  the  Good-will  of  the 
People,  are  u-u;i!lv  conferred  on  deserving  Persons,  who  enjoy 
the  Honour  »t'  Knighthood,  and  spend  their  time  in  the  Ccun- 
trv;  he  hajipiiy  finished  this  Course  in  the  Forty-fifth 
Y'vir  ot  his  Age. 

Hi-  h:id  one  Wife,  Eli^ahetli  the  only  Daughter  of  John 
Morlt-v,  Knioht,  of  the  County  of  Sussex,  by  whom  he  had 
tlircr  Daughters  ;  the  eldest  of  which,  Francis,  died  an  Infant. 
The  Second,  Cecilia,  heing  deservedly  very  dear  to  her  Father, 
and  which  is  scarce  credible,  old  in  singular  Pietv.  though 
y.  (i  g  in  Years,  bid  farewell  to  the  World,  in  the  13th  Year 
of  IHT  Age.  The.  third  and  last  Daughter,  fane,  Aged  seven 
Year?,  now  survives,  \vhoalsohersclfsoonmustdie. 


Upon  three  plates  of  bn-,ss,  fixed  to  a  flat  stone,  are  these 
Inscriptions  : 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of  Cisseley  Puckering,  second  Daugh- 
ter of  Tii  iinus  Puckering,  Knight  and  Baronet,  who  being 
betrothed  to  Christ.  Died  9th  of  April,  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord, 
1G36,  of  her  Age  13. 

Anagram. 
Mistress  Cisselry  Puckering 

I  sleep  secure;  Christ's  my  King, 

JU'ath'-  Terrors  n.maht  alright  me  nor  Ins  Sting; 

I  sleep  secure  for  Christ's  my  Sovereigne  King. 

Epitaph. 

Birth,  Breeding,  Be.-iuly.  Grace  and  Carriage  sweet, 
JM  the  deare  Saint  did  altdcethfr  meet  ; 
The  Sunue  nerc  saw  a  i\.nnlier  Face  tlian  thine, 
Heaven  receiv'd  a  Spirit  more  divine. 

thrice 


22  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

Thrice  happy  Parents  such  a  Child  to  breed, 
Bffot  aguyne  by  God's  Immortal  Seed. 
Cease  sorrowing  then,  sith  Saints  and  Angels  sing, 
To  see  her  rnatch'd  to  an  Eternal  King. 

On  the  North  side,  upon  a  flat  stone,  this  Inscription  : 

Here  lieth  the   Body  of  William  Colemore,  Esq.  who  de- 
parted this  Life,  the  9th  of  Febuary,  Anno  Dimini,  1674. 
Beatisunt  qui  moriuntur  in  Domino. 


Near  the  same,  on  a   flat    stone,   is  the  following 
Inscription : — 


Here  lieth  the  Body  of 
Robert  Chernock,  Gen.  third 
Son  of  Sir  Robert  Chernock, 
of  Holeut,  in  the  County  of 
Bedford,  Knight,  who  de- 
parted this  Life  the  27th  of 
January, 'Anno  1686. 


Here  lieth  the  Body  of 
Margaret  Brook,  Wife  to 
Robert  Chernock,  Gen.  and 
sole  Daughter  of  Charles 
Worthington,  of  Worting- 
ton,  in  Lancashire,  Gen.  who 
died  Aug.  the  1st.  Anno 
1705. 


In  the  midst  of  the  Choir,  lieth,  beneath  a  massy  Tomb 
ef  Composition  of  Plaster,  with  a  Marble  Cornice,  (now 
without  Inscription,) 

Thomas  Beauchamp,  Earl  of  Warwick,  and  Lady 
Katherine  Mortimer  his  Wife.  He  died  13th  November, 
in  the  Forty-third  Year  of  King  EDWARD  the  Third, 
Anno  Dom.  1370.  She  died  the  4th  Day  of  August,  the 
same  Year. 

On  the  two  sides,  also  on  the  ends  of  the  Tomb,  are 
3,6  images  of  weepers,  standing  upon  as  many  Coats  of 
Arms. 

The  same  Earl  founded  the  Choir,  and  dying  also  in 
die- aforesaid  year,  his  son,  Thomas,  Earl  of  Warwick, 
finished  that  building,  as  it  now  stands,  in  the  15:h  year 
of  Kicharj  the  Second,  Anno  Dom.  1392.  He  also, 
fiorn  the  death  of  his  Father,  rebuilt  the  Church,  as  it 
stood  before  the  fire  of  Warwick,  and  finished  it  in  the 

17th  of 


St.  MARY* 8  CHURCH,  fete.  23 

17th  of  Richard  the  Second,  Anno  Dom.  1394.  Likewise 
in  the  same  ycai  finished  Guy's  Tower  (as  it  is  vulgady 
called)  belonging  to  the  Castle. 

Richard  Beauchamp,  Earl  of  Warwick,  Son  of  the 
next  above  Thomas,  was  Founder,  by  Will,  of  the  noble 
Chapel  dedicated  to  the  Virgin  Mary,  which  was  begun 
the  21st  of  Henry  the  Sixth,  Anno  Dom.  1443,  and 
finished  the  3d  of  Edward  the  Fourth,  1464,  the  cost  of 
which,  including  the  magnificient  Tomb,  &c.  amounted 
to  the  sum  of  248 1/.  45.  Irf.  [  as  per  Dugdale  ]  when 
wheat  was  35.  4rf.  per  quarter,  the  proportionate  value 
of  money,  when  Corn  is  at  the  modern  medium  of  5s. 
per  bushel,  which  is  twelve  times  the  sum,  amounts  to 
29,T74/.  155  Od. 

Underneath  the  whole  floor  of  the  Choir,  is  a  vault, 
commonly  called  the  Bone-House,  chiefly  used  as  a  burial 
place  for  the  Mayors,  and  body  corporate  of  this  Borough. 

North  of  the  Choir  are  three  distinct  Rooms  or  Buil- 
dings, very  substantial : — The  first  from  the  Body  of  the 
Church,  is  the  Lobby  (now  the  Fire- Engine  Room),  ia 
which  is  a  Marble  Monument,  as  before  mentioned. 

The  furthermost  Room  is  a  spacious  Library,  or  Vestry 
Room,  under  which  was  the  Friars'  Kitchen,  now  a  Mau- 
soleum for  the  Noble  Family,  of  the  Earl  of  Warwick. 

The  middle  is  an  Octagon  Room,  called  the  Chapter- 
House,  which  was  converted  to  another  use  by  the  Right 
Hon.  Fulke  Lord  Brook,  who  in  his  life  time  erected  a 
very  Stately  Monument  for  himself  and  Family,  of  black 
and  white  marble.  The  epitaph,  or  inscription  round  his 
Tomb,  thus: — 

Fulke  Grevil,  Servant  to  Queen  Elizabeth,  Councillor  to 
King  James,  and  Friend  to  Sir  Philip  Sydney. 

On   a  neat  stone  monument  is  the  following 

Inscription  : — 

If  a  faithful  Discharge  of  Duty,  and  the  most  honest,  dili- 
gent, and  attached  conduct  for  a  long  course  of  years,  •ev«r 
claims  the  expression  of  Gratitude,  it  is  due  to  the  M«ir.orydf 
JOHN  BAYLEY,  who  departed  this  Life  ou  the  15th  Day  «f 

September, 


2*  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

September,  1792,    Aged  65  Years,  and  lies  interred  near  tliis 
Place. 

As  -t  Memorial  of  his  Regard  for  an  excellent  Servant,  mid 
a  worthy  Man,  whose  Loss  he  much  laments,  this  Stone  was 
erected  by 

GEORGE  EARL  of  WARWICK, 

Anno  1793. 


THE 

ILABY'S  CHAPEJL. 


ENT 


FERING  into  which  you  descend  by  a  flight  of 
twelve  stone  sreps  ;  on  each  side  are  stalls,  &c.  as  in  the 
Choir  of  the  Church.  The  floors,  being  three  in  number, 
of  black  and  white  marble,  ate  at  unequal  distances,  as. 
cending  by  one  step  each,  towards  the  Alcar,  which  is  a 
tine  has  relievo  of  the  Salutation,  under  a  Gothic  canopy, 
the  whole  exceedingly  well  executed.  Raised  against  the 
wall,  on  each  side  the  Altar,  is  a  Shrine  of  very  delicate 
workmanship,  particularly  as  their  matter  is  only  the  com- 
mon sand  stone  of  the  town,  thus  uncommonly  modified  ; 
in  which  bhrines  (according  to  DugdaleJ  were  formerly 
reposited  two  images  of  pure  gold,  20ib.  weight  each. 
Theie  arc  several  more  Shrines,  and  other  Cabinet  Curi- 
osities, interspersed  in  this  building.  In  the  Verge,  and 
in  the  two  Muntles,  or  divisions  of  the  East  window,  are 
forty-six  images  of  angels  a;id  saints,  very  curiously 
wrought,  in  Warwick  sand  stone  ;  also  in  the  same  and 
middle  South  window  are  sacred,  historical,  and  family 
portraits  in  glass.  Behind  the  Altar  is  the  Library,  built 
by  the  famous  John  Rous.  To  the  North  stands  the  Con- 
fessional and  Gallery,  of  exquisite  design  ;  beyond  which, 
rising  by  five  steps,  very  much  worn,  is  the  Confession 
Seat,  very  obscure,  yet  very  curious ;  where,  through 

th« 


S/.  MARTS  CHURCH.  26 

the  partition  wall,  is  an  oblique  square  hole  to  the  Choir, 
through  which  confession  was  made. 

In  the  middle  of  the  Chapel  lieth  upon  a  tomb  of  mar- 
ble, in  full  Ma:ue,  the  effigy  of  Richard  Beauchamp,  Earl 
of  Warwick,  in  armour,  all  made  of  fine  latten  brass, 
d«ubly  gilt.  At  his  head  there  is  a  swan  ;  at  his  right 
foot  a  bear,  muzzled  ;  at  his  left  foot  a  griffin.  Over 
the  said  monument  is  a  hearse  of  brass,  gilt,  made  de- 
signedly to  support  a  covering  over  rhe  curious  repo>itory 
of  the  remains  of  this  once  great  Earl  Round  about  his 
tomb  sraad  J  our  teen  images  of  brass,  all  gilt ;  under  the 
feet  of  each  of  them  is  a  coat  of  arms.  These  images 
are  resembling  fourteen  lords  and  ladies,  called  weepers. 

At  the  head  of  the  tomb, 

Henry  Beauohamp,  Duke  of  Warwick,  and  Lady  Cecil  hie 
Wife,  Daughter  to  Richard  Nevil,  Earl  ol'Salisbury. 

On  the  South  side, 

The  first,  Richard  Nevil,  Earl  of  Salisbury  ;  the  second 
Edward  Beaufort-  Duke  of  Somerset;  the  third,  Humphrey 
Stufl.ird,  Duke  of  Buckingham  ;  the  fourth,  John  Talbot,  Earl 
of  Shrewsbury  ;  the  fifth,  Kichard  Nevil,  Earl  of  Warwick. 

At  the  foot  of  the  tomb, 

George  Nevil,  Lord  Lutimer,  and  Elizabeth  his  Wife,  daugh* 
ter  to  Richard  Beauchamp,  Earl  of  Warwick. 

On  the  North  side, 

The  first,  Alice,  daughter  and  heiress  to  Thomas  Montague, 
Earl  of  Salisbury*  wife  to  Richard  Nevil,  Earl  of  Salisbury; 
the  second.  Eleanor.  daus;htei  to  Richnrd  Beauchamp,  Earl  of 
of  Warwick,  and  wife  to  Edmund  Beaufort,  Duke  of  Somerset ; 
the  third,  Anne,  daughter  to  Ralph  Nevil,  Earl  of  Westmor- 
land, wife  »o  Humphry  Stafford,  Duke  of  Buckingham  ;  the 
fiiurth,Mnrcaret.  eldest  daughter  to  Richard  Beauchamp,  Earl 
of  Warwick,  wife  to  John  Tulbnt,  F.url  of  Shrewsbury  ;  the 
fifth,  Anne, daughter  to  Richard  Beauchump,  Earl  of  Warwick, 
wife  to  Hirhard,  Earl  of  Salisbury.  Beside  these  there  stand 
round  about  his  tomb,  eighteen  lesser  images,  made  of  brass 
and  gilt,  resemblinc  angels,  with  this  label:' — GIOBY  AND 
PRAISE  TO  GOD.  Mercy  to  the  Dead. 
D 


26  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

The  inscription  ab'-ut  his  tomb,  engraved  in  brass,  in 
the  uncouth  diction  and  spelling,  is  as  follows  : — 

Preieth  devoutly  for  the  Sowel  whom  Cod  as?oile  of  otic 
of  tlie  monst  worshipl'ul  Kniphtes,  in  his  Daves  of  Monhodc 
and  Conning,  Kichard  Beanchamp,  late  I.arli>t  Warrcxvik,  Lord 
Despenser  ot  Bergeyepny,  of  inoiiy  other  grtte  Lordships; 
whose  Body  restet h  here  under  this  Tumbe,  inaf-ul  feire  voute 
of  Stone  set  on  the  hare  modi,  the  wliich  visited  with  longe 
sikness  in  the  Castet'of  Roan  therinne  deceased  fui  cristeniy 
the  lost  day  of  April  theyer  of  our  Lord  God  MCCCCXXXIX. 
He-  being  at  *b:u  time  lieutenant  genal  and  goverin  of  f  lie 
Roialmes  of  Fraunce,  and  of  the  Duchie  of  Normandie  by  stif- 
llcient  Authorise  of  oure  Sovaijjne  Lord  the  King  Harry  the 
sixtli,  the  wliich  body  with  srele  deliberacon  and  ful  worship- 
ful Conduit  by  see  and  by  loud  was  brought  to  Warrewik  the 
iiii  day  of  October  the  yer  aboveseide  and  was  leide  with  ful 
solemre  exe-quics  in  a  feir  Chest  mude  of  Stone  in  this  Church, 
afire  the  west  dore  of  this  Ch;i|)cl  according  to  his  last  Wille 
and  Testament  tlierein  to  reste,  tii  thisClupel  by  him  devised 
in  his  lief  were  made.  Al  the  whuche  Chapel  founded  on  the 
rooch  and  alle  ihe  Membres  thereof,  his  Executors  dede  fully 
make  and  apparaille,  by  the  autorite  of  his  said  wille  and 
Testament,  and  thereafter  by  the  same  autorite  then  dide 
translate  ful  worshiplully  the  seide  body  into  the  vout  uboue- 

saide ;  honired  be  God  therefore. 

— «*<>.«>__ 

On  the  North  side  of  the  Chapel  He  the  much-admired 
marbie  statutes  of  Robert  Dudley,  Earl  of  Leicester,  and 
Lady  Lettice,  his  wife,  Countess  of  Leicester,  upon  a  mag- 
nificient  tornb  of  marble,  inclosed  with  iron  rails,  with  this 
inscription  :— 

DEO  VIVENTIUM  S. 

Spc  certa  resurgendi  in  Christo,  hie  situs  est  illustrissimus 
Bobertus  Dudleyus,  Joliannis,  Ducis,  Northumbrias  Comitis 
Warwici,  Vicecomitis  Insulas,  &c.  filius  quintus;  Comes  Leces- 
triae  :  Baro  Denbighie,ordinistum  S.  Georgii,tLim  S.  Michaelis, 
Eques  auratus;  Keginae  Elizabethae  [apud  quem  Singulari 
gratia  florebat]  Hi[)pocomus,  Rega3  Aulaesubinde  Seneschallus; 
ab  intimis  Consilijs :  Forestarum,  Parcorum,  Chucearum,  &c. 
citra  Trentham  summus  Justiciarius :  Exercitus  Anglici  a  dicta 
Regi.  Eliz  :  missj  in  Belgio,  ad  Anno  MDLXXXV,  ad  Annum 
MDLXXXVII. Locum  tenenset  Capiraneus  generalis:  Provin- 
siururn  Confederatarum,  ibidem  Gubinator  generalu  et  pre- 
fect as  ; 


&.  MARTS  CHURCH,  &c.  2,7 

Kegnique  Anglias  locum  tenens  contra  Philipum  II.     Hispa- 
uuin,  numerosa,  Ciasse  et  Exerchu  Angiiam  MDLXXXVIII. 

Invadentem. 

Animam  Dcoservatori  reddidit  Anno  salutis  MDLXXXVIII. 
Die  quarto  Septembris.  Optimo  et  charissimo  marito,  mces- 
tissima  uxorLeticia  Francisci  Knoiles  ordinis  S  Geor^u  equitis 
nurati  et  Regime  Tlicsauraij  filia,  amoris  et  cunjugalis  fldci 
ergo,  posuit. 

Tfas  Translated: 

Sacred  to  the  God  of  the  Living. 

In  ceitain  hope  of  a  Resurrection  in  Christ,  here  lieth  the 
most  illustrious  Robert  Dudley,  fifth  Son  of  John,  Duke  of 
Northumberland,  Earl  of  Warwick,  Viscount  Lisle,  &c.  He 
was  Earl  of  Leicester,  B'iron  of  Denbigh,  Knight  both  of  the 
order  of  the  Garter  and  St.  Michael,  Master  of  the  Horse  to 
Queen  Elizabeth,  (who  distinguished  him  by  particular  Favour) 
soon  after  Steward  of  (he  Queen's  Household,  Privy  Counsellor, 
Justice  in  Eyre  of  the  Forests,  Parks,  Chare?,  &c.  on  this  Side 
Trent,"  from  the  Year  1585  to  the  Year  1587,  Lieutenant  and 
Captain  Gener.il  of  the  English  Army  ?ent  by  the  said  Queen 
Elizabeth  to  the  Netherlands;  Governor  General  and  Com- 
mander of  the  Provinces  united  in  that  Place;  Lieutenant 
Governor  of  England  against  Philip  the  Second  of 
Spain,  in  the  Year  1588,  when  he  was  preparing  to  invade 
England  with  a  numerous  Fleet  and  Army.—  He  gave  up  his 
Soui  to  God  his  Saviour,  on  the  4-th  Day  of  September,  in  the 
Year  of  Salvation  1588. 

His  most  sorrowful  Wife,  Lastitia,  Daughter  of  FrancisKnol- 
les,  Knight  of  the  Order  of  the  Garter,  and  1  reasurer  to  the 
Queen,  through  a  Sense  of  conjugal  Love  and  Fidelity,  hath  put 
up  this  Monument  to  the  best  and  dearest  of  Husbands. 


Near  the  above  monument  is  wrote  upon  a  gilt  table, 
fixed  against  the  wall,  the  subsequent  verses  upon  the 
death  of  the  excellent  and  pious  Lady,  Lettice,  Countess 
of  Leicester,  who  died  upon  Christmas  day  in  the  morn- 
ing, 16  34-. 

Lsok  in  this  vault  and  search  it  well, 
Much  Treasure  in  it  lately  fell  ; 
Wee  all  are  robb'd,  and  all  du  say 
Our  Wealth  was  carried  thus  aw»y  ; 

And 


28  A  DESCRIPTION  of 

And  thht  the  Thieft  might  ne'er  be  found, 
'Tis  buried  closely  under  Ground  : 
Yet  if  you  gently  stirr  the  Mould, 
There  all  our  Loss  you  may  behold; 
There  may  you  see  that  Faee,  that  Hand 
Which  once  was  fairest  in  the  Land. 

She  that  in  her  younger  Years 
Match'd  with  two  great  English  Peers, 
Shee  that  did  supply  the  Warrs 
With  Thunder,  and  the  Court  with  Starrs; 
She  that  in  her  Youth  had  been 
Darling  to  the  maiden  Queen, 
'Till  she  was  content  to  quit 
Her  FaTour  for  her  favourite, 
Whose  gold  Thread  when  she  saw  spun',, 
^nd  the  Death  of  her  brave  Son, 
'.'hough  t  it  safest  to  retire 
From  all  Care  and  vain  Desire 
To  a  Private  Country  C<sH, 
Where  she  spent  her  days  so  well, 
That  to  her  the  better  Sort 
Came  as  to  an  holy  Court  ; 
And  the  Poor  that  lived  near 
Death  no*  Famine  could  not  fear: 
Whilst  she  liv'd,  she  lived  thus, 
'Till  that  God  displeas'd  with  Us, 
Suffer'd  her  at  last  to  fall, 
Not  from  Him,  but  from  us  All  : 
And  because  she  took  Delight 
Christ's  poor  Members  to  invite, 
He  fully  now  requites  her  Love, 
And  sent  his  Angels  from  above,    ' 
That  did  to  Heaven  her  soul  convey 
To  solemnize  his  own  Birth-day. 

GEIVAS  CLIFTOJT? 


The  next  monument  is  of  a  very  curious  marble,  of  Am- 
brose Duddcley's,  Karl  of  Warwick,  lying  in  full  stature 
in  armour,  with  this  inscription  in  English  : 

Heare  under  this  Tombe  lieth  the  Corps  of  tire  Lord  Am- 
brose Duddeley,  who,  after  the  deceases  of  his  elder  Brethren 
without  Isnie,  was  Sonne  and  Heir  to  John  Duke  of  Northum- 

berlande  ; 


St.  MARTS  CHURCH,  &c.  29 

berlande;  to  whom  Quene  Elizabeth  in  the  Finr  Yeare  of  her 
Reigne  gave  the  Mannour  of  Kibworth-Beauchamp,  in  tlie 
County  of  Leicester,  to  IIP  held  by  the  Service  of  heince  Pant- 
ler  to  the  Kin^s  and  Qnenes  of  this  Keamle,  ;it  their  Corona- 
tions, which  Office  and  Manmnir  his  said  Father,  and  other 
his  Ance«teris  Erles  of  Warwick,  helde; — In  the  second  Yeare 
of  her  Reiene,  the  said  Quene*  £ave  l>im  the  Office  of  Mays- 
tcrof  the  Ordinal!  tier: — In  thefowrth  Yea  re  of  her  sayd  Reipnr, 
She  created  Him  Baron  Lislf  and  Erie  of  Warwick  ; — In  the. 
same  Yeare  she  made  Him  her  Lirateriatrt  Generall  in  Nor- 
mandv,  and  during  thr  Tytne  of  his  Service  there.  He  was 
chosen.  Knight  of  the  n<>h!e  Order  of  rhe.  Garter; — In  thr. 
Twelvth  Yeare  of  her  Reigne  the  said  Erie  mid  Edward  Lord 
Clinton,  Lord  Admerall  of  England,  wliTe  ma/le  Live-tenanfes 
Generall  joinctely,  and  severally,  of  hsr  Majesty's  Army  in 
the  North  Parts. — In  the.  Thirteenth  Yeare  of  her  Reigne  thr 
said  Quene  hestowed  on  him  the  Office  of  Chief  Butler  of  Eng- 
land ; — and  in  the  XVth  Yeare  of  her  Reit»ne  he  was  sworn  of 
her  privy  Council: — who  deparfinge  thi«  Lief  without  Issue, 
the  21st  Day  of  February,  158?,  at  Bedford  Hou°e  near  th« 
City  of  LONDON,  from  whence,  as  Himself  desired,  his  Corps 
was  convey'd  ai-d  interr'd  in  this  Place: — nenr  his  Brother 
Robert  Erie  of  Leicester  and  others  his  noble  Ancestors,  which 
was  accomplish'd  by  his  last  and  well  beloved  Wief  the  Lady 
Anne  Countess  of  Warwick,  who  in  further  testimony  of  her 
faithful  Love  towards  Him,  bestow'd  this  Monument  as  a 
llemembrance  of  him. 

On  the  North  side  of  the  tomb,  under  their  peculiar 
coats  of  arms,  finely  wrought  in  marble,  are  the  following 
inscriptions  : — 

1st.  John  Duddeley,  E?q.  second  Sonne  to  John  Lord  Dud- 
deley  and  Knijjht  of  the  Garter,  married  Elizabeth,  Dowtrhter 
nnd  Heir  to  John  Bramshot,  Esq.  and  had  Issue  Edmund  Dud- 
deley. 

2d.  Edmund  Dudddey,  Esq.  one  of  the  privy  Council  fo 
King  Henry  the  7th,  married  Elizabeth.  Sister  and  Sole  Heir 
of  John  Grey  Viscount  Lisle;  descend'd  as  Heir  of  the  eldest 
Dowjjhter  and  Coheir  of  Richard  Beauchump  Erie  of  \Vnrwick, 
and  Elizabeth  his  Wife,  Dowghtrr  and  Heir  of  th<*  Lord  Berke- 
ley, and  Heir  of  the  Lord  Lisle  nnd  Ties,  and  had  Issue  John 
Duke  of  Northumberland. 

3d.  Jokn  Duke  »f  Northumberland,  Erie  ef  Warwick,  Vis- 

C4>BMt 


30  A  DESCRIPTION  & 

count  L;sle,  andKnirrhf  of  the  Gutter,  married  Jane,  Dowghter 
and  Heir  of  Sir  Fdw.m:  Gui'.defoicl,  Knight,  ami  Eleanor  his 
Wife.  Sifter  and  Coheir  u>  Thoaius  Lord  Lawurre,  and  had 
Is  UP  the  Siiicl  Lord  Ambi 

On  the  South  til"  <  f  the  :o:rih,  unde*-  their  peculiar 
coacs  of  arms,  finely  wrought  ih  marble,  are  the  following 
inscrijxi  i:  — 

1st.  The  ?•••'.  \  L-M'i  Ambrose  Duddeley,  married  to  Inn  first 
Wife,  Ann  Dowghter  and  Coheir  of  William  W  h  >rwood,Esq. 
Attorney  L»e;ierul  to  King  Henry  the  Evghfe. 

2',  The  *aid  Lord  Ambrose  m.iried  to  his  second  Wife 
Elizabeth,  Dowghter  i. f  Sir  .?ibert  Taylboys,  Knight,  Sister 
and  scue  Heir  ol~,George  Lord  Tnylbcys. 

3d.  The  said  Ambrose,  affer  lie  was  Erie  of  Warwick,  mar- 
ried to  histhird  Wife  thelvsdy  Ann  eldest  Dowghter  of  Francis 
Russel,  Euri  of  Bedford,  Knight  of  ihe  Garter. 


The  next  monument  is  the  Sons  of  Kobett  Dufl'Jeley, 
Earl  of  Leit  ester,  on  the  South  side,  near  the  East  end  of 
the  Chapel,  with  this  inscription  : 

Here  resteth  the  Body  of  t'ie  Noble  Impe  Robert  uf  Dud- 
ley, Baron  of  Denbigh,  Soime  of  Robert  Erie  of  Leicester; 
Nephew  and  Heir  unto  Ambrose  Erie  of  Warwicke  Bre- 
tfirrn  both  Sons  of  the  mirjhtif  Prince  Jg-hn  lute  Luke  of 
Northumberland  ;  that  \vas  (^cusin  and  Heir  to  Sir  'John 
Gray,  Viscount  Lisle,  Cousin  ami  Keir  to  Sir  Thomas  Tal- 
bot,  Vrisct  unf  Lislr',  y»-.p!irwr  iir.d  Heir  to  theJLuciv  Mar- 
garet Countess  of  Shrew-bury,  the  eldes*  Daughter  and 
Ci'heir<*  of  the  noble  tail  of  Wjiwicl;,  Sir  Richard  Beau- 
chnmp,  here  interred. —  A  Child 'of  create  ?arenta>i"  nnt  uf 
farr  greater  hope  and  towurdness,  taken  from  thi*  tr-tn-ltory 
untc  tiie  everlasting  Life  in  his  tender  Age,  at  u'aiistead  in 
I-\<;PX.  ,-m  Sur.daye  tlie  19tli  of  July,  in  the  yenreofour  Lord 
God  158<t — beinge  the  2G,  ye-ire  of  the  huppy,  Reigue  of  ths 
most  virtuous  and  g ,«d!y  Princis  Queene  tiizahethe,  and  in 
tliis  Place  iayed  up  among  IKS  noble  Anncrstors  in  assured  hope 
of  the  generall  Hesurrettion. 

Against  the  North  wall   is  a   marble  table,   vrith  this  in- 
scription :— 

To 


St.  MARTS  CHURCH.  tfe.  31 

To  the  Memory  of  the  Lady  K-ul,-*rinr,  lafe  Wife  of  Sir 
Richard  Leve:'.?on  of  Tremharn  in  tie  Couutv  of  Stifford, 
Knicht  of  the  Bath,  on*  of  the  Daughters  and  Co  heirs  of 
Sir  Robert  Duc'Ji  icy,  K.iieht,  Son  to  Hubert  l.»te  F.arJ  of 
Leicester,  by  Alicia  hi-  .Wife,  Daughter  to  Sir  Thomas 
Lei;.;h  of  Stoue'ey,  Knight  ami  P,;4:oiu=t.  creattd  Duchess 
Duddcley  by  King  Churle<  the  First,  in  regard  that  her 
said  Husbind  leaving  this  Realm,  hud  the  Title  of  a  Duke 
conferred  M.  on  him  In  Fadinand  the  llth  Emperor  of  Ger- 
roaiiv.  which  Honourable  lady  taking  i.oticc  th«se  Tt.-mhs  of 
h(jr  nobie  Ancfstors  being  much  blemished  by  consuming 
Time,  but  more  by  rhe  rude  Hand?  ol  Impious  Projst-.  were 
in  (lunger  of  utter  Ruin,  by  the  Dt-eav  of  this  Ch-jprl,  if  i,ot 
timely  prevented,  did  in  herlilV  time  ci\e  flfry  Pound';  inr  its 
soec-dv  Remedy.  And  by  her  last  'Vill  and  7estamen%  bear- 
ing Date  18th  of  December,  1673,  bequeath  forty  1  oui;ds  per 
Aniium,  issuing  out  oi"  iier  Manor  of  I'ox'ry,  in  ti,e  C'ounty 
of  Northampton,  for  the  perpetual  Suppui  t  ;;nt!  Preservation 
of  these  Monuments,  in  their  proper  ^tate,  the  Surp  us;.'ge  to 
be  for  the  poor  Brethren  of  her  Grandfather's  Hospital  in  tliis 
Burouqh  :  Appointing  William  Dugdaleoi  Blythe-Hali,  in  this 
County,  Esq.  (who  represent"d  to  her  the  Necessity  of  tbu 
good  Work)  and  his  Heirs,  together  with  the  Mayor  of  War- 
wick, for  the  Time  being,  to  be  her  Trustees  theiein. 


TABLES  OF  BENEFACTIONS 


TABL,E  I. 

A  Tat>It.',  or  an  account  of  Pious  and  Charitable  Benefactors 
and  Gifts,  to  this  Church  and  Parish,  put  up  1711. 

A  House  in  the  Church -Street,  heretofore  given  for  the 
Repairr  of  this  Church,  in  Consideration  of  Re-building, 
&/:.  ufter   the   late  dreadful    Fire;    demis'd    by   Trustees,    to 
Moses   Robittson,  ut  5!.  per  Annum,  for  cixty  Years,  then  to 
be  Jet  at  an  improved  Kent. 

A  House  in  ihe  West-street,  in  the  Possession  of  Richard 
Meads,  given  to  the  same  Use,  the  Rent  51.  per  Annum. 

1G7O.  The  lady  Levison  gave  401.  per  Annum  for  repair- 
ing and  beautifying  the  Lady's  Chapel,  charged  on  the  Manor 
of  Foxley,  in  the  County  of  Northampton,  if  any  Overplus,  to 
to  the  Brethren  of  the  Earl  of  Leice«ter's  Hospital  in  this 
Borough. 

1707.  The  Right  Hon.  Fulke  Lord  Brooke,  gave  the  Stalls 
and  Altar-piece  in  ihe  Chancel. 

1709.  The  Right  Hon.  Sarah  Ladv  Brooke,  gave  two  Silver 
Flaggons  and  Chalire,  to  this  Church. 

The  Right  Worshipful  Sir  Thorns  Delves,  gave  the 
Branches. 

1553.  Mr.  John  Toolie,  nliasToles,  Citizen  and  Alderman 
of  London,  guve  three  Houses  nnd  some  Lands,  in  the  Bridge- 
End,  to  the  Use  of  the  Poor  of  this  Borough. 

1570.  Mr.  Thomas  Oken,  amongst  many  other  Charities 
to  be  seen  inscrib'd  on  his  Monument,  gave  1001.  towards 
enlarging  the  Commons  of  this  Parish,  with  which  St.  Michael's 
Piece  was  bought. 

1570. 


BENEFACTIONS,  &c.  33 

1570.  Mr.  Richard  Griffin,  of  this  Borough,  gave  all  hit 
Houses  and  Lauds  in  Myton,  and  the  Bridge-End,  to  the  Use 
of  the  Poor  Inhabitants  or  this  Borough,  the  Rent  to  be  laid 
out  in  Cloth,  and  10s.  yearly  for  a  Sermon  in  this  Cliurch,  the 
Rents  now  about  171.  per  Annum. 

1593.  Nicholas  Iffeler,  born  in  the  Province  of  Westphalia 
in  Germany,  Glazier,  and  a  principal  Burgess  of  this  Borough, 
gave  a  House  in  the  Jury-street,  and  10s.  per  Annum,  issuing 
out  of  Meuking's  Close,  and  founded  an  Hospital  on  the  back 
Hills,  for  four  old  Maidens,  if  none  such,  four  old  Women. 

1624.  Mr.  John  Smith,  of  Sherburne,  Clerk,  gave  the  Rent 
of  Eaves  Meadow,  in  the  Manor  of  Knoll,  51.  6s.  8d.  pec 
Annum,  to  be  distributed  weekly  to  the  Poor  of  St.  Mary's  and 
St.  Nicholas  Parishes;  also  a  Messuage  and  Copyhold  Lands  in. 
Knoll,  the  Rents  to  provide  ten  Gowns  for  the  Poor  of  St. 
Mary's  yearly,  whereof  the  Herdsmun  to  be  one;  and  also  a 
House  in  the  Smith-street,  half  the  Rent  whereof,  at  Christmas, 
is  to  be  for  ever  paid  to  the  Minister  and  Church- Wardens  of 
this  Parish,  to  be  laid  out  in  Shoes  for  the  Poor. 

1655.  Sir  Thomas  Puckering,  Bart,  founded  two  Aims- 
Houses,  for  poor  Tradesmen  to  live  and  take  Apprentices  in, 
one  in  Wall-dike-lane,  the  other  in  Cow-lane.  He  also  gav« 
four  Houses  beyond  St.  Michael's  Hospital,  in  Salisford,  for 
eight  poor  Women  to  live  in. 

Without  the  West-Gate  is  an  Aims-House,  for  eight  poor 
Women,  who  have  ll.  14s.  4d.  payable  amongst  them  Quarterly, 
out  of  Sir  Thomas  Puckering's  Estate. 

1645.  Mr.  Richard  Edgworth,  of  Overston,  in  the  County 
of  Noi  thampton,  gave  41.  per  Annum  to  the  poor  of  Warwick, 
and  13s  4d.  yearly  for  two  Sermons,  on  the  25th  of  March, 
and  the  29th  of  September,  issuing  out  of  his  Lands. 

1666.  The  Corporation  pay  yearly  to  the  Church-Wardens 
31.  7s.  2d.  with  which  Linen  is  bought,  and  given  by  the  Vicar 
and  them,  to  the  Poor,  against  Easter:  being  the  Interest  of 
£51.  given  for  that  Use  by  Mrs.  Turrile. 

£  A  Countcw 


34  TABLES  OF 

A  Countess  of  Devonshire,  gave  50?.  per  Annum,  to  be  dis- 
tributed on  Ash  Wednesday  to  the  Poor,  by  tlie  Mayor  and 
Aldermen,  payable  by  the  Corporation. 

JOSEPH  BATTESON,^ 

AND  v  Church-Wardens,  1711. 

WILLIAM  HORNE,  ) 


TABLE  II. 

A  "table,  or  an  Account  of  Kout  and  Chai  itatle  Benefactor*  $  Gifts, 
to  this  Church  and  Pariift,  put  up  17  12. 

MR.  Richard  Vernor,  Citizen  and  Barber  Chirurgeon 
of  London,  gave  30s.  per  Annum,  to  issue  out  of  his 
Lands  in  Wellesbourne,   10s.  of  which  is  to  be  given  to  the 
Poor,  10s.  for  a  Sermon,  6s.  8d.  for  a  Collation,  3s.  4d.  for  the 
Ringers,  on  the  5th  of  November  yearly. 

1660.  Mr.  Thomas  Aylworth,  of  Wellesbourne,  cave  2001. 
to  purchnse  Lands,-  Annuity,  or  Rent-Charge,  forone  Dozen  of 
Bread,  weekly,  to  the  Poor  of  Castle-street  Ward,  and  threg 
Gowns,  two  for  Men  and  one  for  a  Woman  yearly. 

Mr.  John  and  Mrs.  Joan  Stanton,  gave  501.  the  interest  of 
It  to  be  disposed  of  in  Gowns,  to  the  Poor  of  West-street  Ward. 

Mr.  Lea,  a  Baker,  gave  a  House  near  Joice-pool,  towardj 
the  Relief  of  poor  Prisoners  in  the  County  gaol. 

Fifty  Pounds  given  to  theToor  of  the  Salisford  Wa-rd,  now 
reduced  to  191.  in  the  Wardisraen's  Hands  of  that  Ward. 

Mr.  Daniel  Price,  of  the  Priory,  Warwick,  gave  a  House 
and  Garden  in  the  Castle-street,  of  the  Value  of  51.  10s.  per 
Annum,  the  Rent  to  be  distributed  yearly  to  the  Poor  of  this 
Borough. 

Mr.  John  Yardley  gave  a  House  in  Salisford  for  four  Poor 
Women  of  this  Parish  to  live  in. 

Given  to  the  Poor  of  the  Salisford,  16s.  yearly,  issuing  and 
payable  out  of  Ward's  Close. 

Mr.  George 


BENEFACTIONS,  &c.  35 

Mr.  George  Wcale  gave  21.  10s.  per  Annum,  charged  on  a 
House  in  the  High-streel,  to  be  yearly  distributed  to  the  two 
Paiishes  alternately  in  Bread,  which  House  bring  burnt  down 
in  the  late  Fire,  1694,  and  the  burnt  (.1  round  sold  for  151. 
that  Sum  is  in  the  Church-wardens  Hands  ot  the  two  Parishes* 
and  the  Interest  thereof  applied  to  the  same  Use. 

1701.  The  Right  Hon.  Eliz.  Lady  Guildford,  Daughter  of 
the  Right  Hon.  Fulke  Ld.  Brooke,  gave  1001.  for  the~Teach- 
ing    and    Cloathinq  poor    Children  of  this  Borough,    for  the 
Payment  of  the  Interest  of  which  the  Corporation  hath  given 
Heal  Security. 

1701-.  .The  Hon.  John  Smith,  Esq.  now  Lord  Chief  Baron 
cf  the  Exchequer  in  Scotland,  pave  1001.  for  the  putting  out 
yearly  a  poor  Boy  of  this  Borough  Apprentice,  with  the 
Interest  thereof,  for  which,  at  5  per  Cent,  the  Corporation 
hath  given  Security. 

Mr.  Robert  Heath,  Alderman,  gave  by  his  Will  51.  per 
Annum,  charged  on  his  Lands  in  Southam,  for  the  putting  out 
yearly  an  Apprentice,  to  be  approved  of  by  the  Mayor  and 
Aldermen. 

1702.  Mr,  John  Hadley,  Alderman,  gave  3001.  with  which 
a  Close  in  Henley-in-Arden  was  purchased,  the  Rent  to  put 
yearly    a    poor  Boy    of   this  Borough    Apprentice;    as  also  a 
Reversion  of  a  House  in  Cow-lane,  the  Rent  whereof  to  be 
applied  to  the  same  use. 

1710.  Mr.  Richard  Grimes,  Alderman,  gave  the  yearly 
Sum  of  50s.  to  this  Parish,  10s.  to  be  distributed  in  Bread  on 
the  Feast  of  St.  Michael,  and  40g.  for  3  Cloth  Coats,  to  ba 
given  on  the  same  Feast. 

1695.  The  Corporation  after  the  Fire  gave  two  Barn*, 
Kent  31.  per  Annum,  and  laid  out  1201.  converting  them  into 
Tenements  for  28  poor  Peoplo  to  live  in. 

Sir  Thomas  White  gave  40s.  per  Annum,  to  be  distributed 
by  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  at  Christmas  to  four  poor  Trades- 
men, payable  by  Coventry. 

JOB   LEA,  } 

AND  C  Chtrch-Wardens,  1712. 

TIMOTHY  NORBWRT,} 

TABLE  III. 


3«  TABLES  OF 

TABLE  III. 

A    TABLE,  or  an  Account  of  Pious  and  Charitable  Bene- 
factors and  Gifts,  to  this  Chinch  and  Parish,  put  up  1720. 


155lOlR  Thomas  White,  Alderman  of  London,  left  14001. 
with  which  Lands  were  purchased  of  701.  per  Annum,  401.  of 
which  was  to  circulate  to  Coventry,  Northampton,  Leicester, 
Nottingham,  and  Warwick,  in  free  Loan  for  nine  Years,  to 
four  ¥011112;  Tradesmen.  The  said  701.  per  Annum  being  now 
near  10001.  the  House  of  Lords,  by  their  Decree,  appointing 
the  several  Charities  to  increase  with  the  Kents,  Warwick  in 
its  Course,  1719,  instead  of  401.  received  457,  to  be  lent  in  Fifty 
Pounds,  on  good  Security,  to  Young  Tradesmen. 

1586.  Robert  Earl  of  Leicester,  by  the  Grant  of  the 
Guild  of  the  Holy  Trinity  and  St.  George,  made  to  him  by 
the  Bailiff  ar.d  Burgesses,  founded  his  Hospital,  consisting  of  a 
Master  and  twelve  Brethren,  the  Vacancies  of  the  Brethren 
to  be  supplied  by  Warwick,  Kenilworth  Stratford-upon-Avon, 
Wooten  Subedge,  and  Erlingham,  alternately,  and  endowed  it 
with  2001.  per  Annum,  now  improved. 

Thomas  Fisher,  Esq.  gave  a  House  and  Close  in  the  Smith- 
street,  for  the  Repairs  of  the  great  Bridge. 

Mrs.  Margaraet  Porter,  gave  a  House  in  the  Jury-street, 
for  the  Repairs  of  the  great  Bridge. 

1639.  Mr.  William  Viner,  gave  61.  per  Annum  to  the 
Master  of  the  King's  School,  charged  on  his  Lands  in  Eathrop. 

1701.  Queen  Anne,  of  pious  and  glorious  Memory,  by  the 
seasonable  Application  of  the  Right  Hon.  William  Broir.field, 
Esq.  gave  towards  the  Rebuilding  of  this  Church,  One  Thou- 
sand Pounds. 

1713.  Mr.  Joseph  Blisset,  late  Alderman,  by  his  Will  left 
1501.  to  purchase  Lands;  and  out  of  the  Rents  thereof  eight 
three-penny  Loaves  to   be  distributed   to  eight  poor  House- 
keepers every  Lord's  Day. 

1714.  Robert  Abbott,  of  London,  Painter,  a  Native  of  this 
Borough,  gave  the  Queen's  Arms. 

1718. 


BENEFACTIONS,  &c.  37 

1718.  Mr.   Richard    Russell  gave   the    Watch  and  Pulpit 
Cloth,  and  Cushion. 

1719.  The    Hon.    Mrs.   Sarah   Grevile,    Daughter   of  the 
Right   Hon.   Fulke    Lord   Brooke,    by    her  Will  gave  15001. 
with  which  an  Estate  is  purchased  at  Herberry,  nnd  the  third 
part  of  the  Rents  of  it  is  to  be  employed  for  the  Cloalhing  and 
Teaching  of  poor  Childien  of  this  Parish. 

MATTHEW  BUSBY,  ^ 

AND  C      Church-Wardens,  1720. 

GEORGE   WHADCOCK,       S 


TABLE  IV. 

A  TABLE  or  an  Account   of  Pious  and  Charitable.  Bene~ 
factors  and  Gifts,  to  this  Church  and  Parish,  put  up  1749. 

MRS  Turvile  left  Forty  Shillings  per  Annum,  to  he  paid 
out  of  her  Estate  at  Byfield,  in  the  County  of  Northamp- 
ton (now  purchased  by  Mr.  Thomas  Prestwyche)  to  be  disposed 
of  at  St.  Thomas,  by  the  Trustees,  in  buying  2-i  Yards  of 
Woollen  Cloth,  at  18d.  per  Yard,  to  be  given  to  two  poor 
Men  and  six  poor  Women  of  the  Parish  of  St.  Nicholas,  in 
this  Borough.  The  Men  to  have  three  Yards  each,  to  make 
the  Coats,  and  the  Women  to  have  one  Yard  and  half  each, 
to  make  them  Waistcoats,  the  Remainder  to  be  given  in  Bread 
to  12  poor  Prisoners. 

1722.  George  Webb,  of  this  Borough,  Mercer,  gave  a  Mea- 
dow in  the  Parish  ot' St.  Nicholas,  called  Dean's  Pool  Meadow, 
the  Annual  Rent  w  hereof  to  be  applied  as  follows,  viz.  The 
four  first  Years,  to  put  out  a  poor  Boy,  of  this  Parish,  Appren- 
tice each  Year  ;  and  one  Month  after  each  Boy  is  out  of  his 
Apprenticeship,  if  he  can  produce  a  Certificate  of  his  good 
Behaviour  under  his  Master's  Hand,  and  can  read  well  in  his 
Bible,  and  say  his  Catechism,  to  pay  51.  or  61.  or  71.  towards 
setting  him  up  in  his  Trade.  And  to  St.  Nicholas  Parish  the 
like  for  two  Years  after,  and  then  to  the  Parish  of  Maxtock, 
in  thisConnty,  for  cue  Year  in  the  like  manner,  and  so  to  con- 
tinue for  ever;  and  20s.  also  to  be  spent  on  the  25th  day  of 
March  yearly;  upon  settling  the  Accompts. 

1725. 


35  TABLES  OF 

1723.  Matthew  Btisby,  of  the  Borough  of  Warwick,  Gen. 
gave  a  House,  iti  Swan-lane,  the  Annual  Rent  whereof  to  ba 
applied  as  follows,  viz.  Is.  a  Week  in  Bread  for  the  poor  of 
this  Parish,  and  the  Residue  to  put  out  a  poor  Boy  of  this 
Parish  Apprentice,  yearly,  upon  the  Feast  of  St.  Matthew  the 
Apostle. 

1729.  Fulke  Weale,  by  his  last   Will,  charges  all  his  real 
Estate  with  the  Payment  of  4-Os.  on  the  21st  day  of  December, 
yearly,   and  every  Year  for    ever,  to  cloath  two  poor  Boys  of 
this  Parish,  yearly,   witli   Coat,    Waistcoat,  and  Breeches,  and 
to  pay  for  tiieir  Schooling.     He  likewise  left  the  Remainder  of 
his  personal  Estate,  to  belaid  out  in  Land;  the  Rents  whereof, 
are    for    ever  to    be  applied    towards  the    Maintenance  of  two 
Exhibitioners  at  Oxford,  for  the  Space  of  Seven  Years:  which 
two  young    Men  are  to  be  Natives  of  the  Town  of  Warwick 
(and  in  De-fault  of  such,  any  others)  that  are  bred  up  in  the 
Free  School  at  Warwick,  till  they  arrive  at  the  Age  of  seven- 
teen Years. 

1730.  Mr.    Nicholas   Rotluvell,  Alderman   of  this  Borough, 
pave    by    Will  a  Close  in  Friar  Lane,   of  I  he  yearly   Value  of 
61.  to   be  disposed  of  in   Bread  and  Beef  at  Christmas,  to  the 
Poor  of  the  Parish  of  St.  Mary. 

1732.  Mrs.  Anne  Johnston,  late  of  this  Borough,  Widow 
and  Relict  of  Wm.  Johnston,  Dr.  of  Physic,  gave  two  Messu- 
ages in  the  Paris!)  of  St.  Nicholas,  in  this  Borough,  and  all  her 
Personal  Estate  (with  which  was  purchased  a  Farm  at  Hog- 
brooke,  in  the  Parisli  of  Tachbrooke,  in  this  County)  for  the 
relieving  poor  ancient  and  other  needy  Persons  of  this  Borough, 
being  of  the  Communion  of .the  Church  of  England,  and  for 
putting  out  poor  Children  Apprentices,  and  assisting  such  Ap- 
prentices, towards  setting  them  tip  in  their  respective  Trades, 
or  for  such  or  so  many  of  these  Purposes,  as  her  Trustees  shall 
think  fit.  (See  the  Jnsciiption  on  her  Monument  in  Pages 
»  and  10.) 

JOHN  GARLAND,  ) 

AND  C  Church- Wardens. 

WILLIAM  TATNALL.     y 

TABLE  V. 


BENEFACTIONS,  &t.  39 

TABLE  V. 

A  TABLE,  or  an  Account  of  Pious  and  Charitable  Benefactors  and 
Gifts,  to  this  C/turch  and  Parish,  put  up  I?j7. 


1727O: 


'III  Thomas  Delves,  of  Doddington  in  the  County  of 
Chester,  Bart,  left  by  his  Will  the  SiinTof  10001.  with  which 
an  Estate  has  been  purchased,  called  the  Baxter's  Lenzures,  of 
the  yearly  Rent  of  421.  which  is  equally  divided  between  the 
two  Parishes  of  St.  Mary  and  St.  Nicholas,  in  the  Borough  of 
Warwick,  by  the  Vicar,  Church-Wardens,  and  Overseers  of 
eacli  Parish,  to  be  disposed  of  in  putting  out  and  cloathing 
Apprentices,  and  relieving  poor  ancient  and  needy  Persons,  not 
receiving  Alms  from  their  said  Parish:  and  the  Vicar, Church- 
Wardens,  and  Overseers,  are  on  Easter  Tuesday,  every  Year, 
to  give  an  Account  to  the  Inhabitants,  who  are  then  present  at 
the  passing  the  Parish  Accounts,  of  the  Names  of  the  Persons 
who  have  for  the  preceding  Ye^ir  received  the  said  Charity. 

1729.  Jane  Tomkys,  Widow,  by  her  Will,  dated  the  5th  of 
July,  gives  to  her  Executor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Norton, 
after  Payment  of  her  Debts,  Legacies  and  Funeral  Charges,  all 
the  rest  of  her  personal  Estate,  amounting  to  the  Sum  of  2401. 
to  be  by  him  disposed  of  to  and  for  such  good  and  charitable 
Uses,  within  the  Borough  of  Warwick,  as  he  in  his  Discietion 
should  think  ht  and  convenient.  For  the  farther  Disposition 
wf  which  said  charity,  the  said  Mr.  T.  Norton  appointed 
Trustees. 

1741.  Henry  Archer,  Esq.  Member  of  Parliament  for  thi« 
Borough,  gave  the  Pulpit  Cloth  and  Cushion. 

1757     He  gave  the  Communion  Table  Cloth  and  Cushions. 

1741.  King  Henry  the  Eighth,  by  his  Letters  Patent,  bear- 
ing Date  the  15th  of  May,  in  the  37th  Year  of  his  Reign, 
granted  to  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Borough,  the  Rectory  of  St. 
Mary's  and  St.  \icholas  in  this  Borough,  and  the  Rectory  of 
Chaddesley,  in  the  County  of  Worcester,  and  Budbrook.in  this 
County,  and  the  Advowsons  of  these  Vicarages,  and  a  House 
in  Cannon  How,  in  this  Borough,  and  divers  Messuages,  Tythes, 
and  Hereditaments  to  the  said  Rectories  belonging,  the» 
valued  at  581.  13s.  4d.  per  Annum,  and  now  increased  to  6341. 
17?.  7d.  per  Annum,  which  Grant,  by  a  Decree  of  the  High 
Court  of  Chancery,  bearing  Date  the- 20th  of  May,  1737,  and 
by  icvcrtl  subsequent  Orders  of  that  Cvurt,  obtained  at  a  great 

Charge 


40 


EREAD. 


Charge  and  Expence  by  the  Ri^ht  Honourable  Thomas  Lord 
Archer,  and  Henry  Archer,  Esq.  then  Representatives  in  Par- 
liament for  this  Borough,  was  established  and  confirmed  to  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  Borough  for  ever;  and  the  Rents  and 
Profits  of  the  said  Estates,  were  thereby  directed  to  be  applied 
in  paying  certain  annual  Stipends  to  the  Vicar  of  St.  Mary's, 
St.  Nicholas,  and  Budbrook,  and  to  the  Assistant  of  the  Vicar 
of  St.  Mary's,  and  to  the  School  Master  and  Usherof  the  Free- 
School,  and  to  the  Clerk  and  Sexton  of  St.  Mary's,  and  to  the 
Mayor  of  this  Borough,  for  the  Time  being,  and  in  Repairing 
the  Qiurch  and  Chancel  of  St.  Mary,  and  the  great  Bridge  over 
the  River  Avon,  and  in  binding  out  poor  Children,  born  or 
bred  in  this  Town,  to  be  Apprentices,  and  in  relieving  poor  and 
aged  People  of  this  Town. 


Given  to  the  Poor  of  St.  Mary's  Parish  every  Sunday  at 

Church. 


King  Henry's  Charity, 
and 

Dr.  Johnston's — 

Mr.  Blisset's     

Mr.  Aylsworth's  

Mr.  Smith's 

Mr.  Busby's      


26  Sixpenny  Loaves. 

1  Threepenny  ditto. 

6  Twopenny  ditto. 

8  Threepenny  ditto. 
12  One  penny  ditto. 
12  Onepemiy  ditto. 
12  Onepenny  ditto. 


Sharpe,  Printer,  Advertiser-Office,  Warwick- 


eg: « 


ROYAL  HOSPITAL 

FOR 

SEAMEN,  AT  GREENWICH; 

WITH 

A  SHORT  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  ESTABLISHMENT: 

THE 

CHEST  AT  GREENWICH; 

AND 

THE  ROYAL  NAVAL  ASYLUM. 


Here  now  reclin'd 

From  wave  and  wind, 
And  Fortune's  tempests  safe  ashore, 

To  cheat  their  care 

Of  former  war, 
They  talk  their  pleasing  stories  o'er. 

Young's  Ocean. 


Published  by  the  Chaplains, 
J.    COOKE,    A.    M.    J.   MAULE,    A.    M. 

SOLD  ONLY  AT  THE  HOSPITAL. 

Price  One  Shilling. 

Aud  a  perspective  View  of  the  Hospital, 
Price  Two  Shi/lings. 

1811. 


Printed  by  W.  Winchester  and  SOD,  Strand,  London. 


FABRIC. 

GREENWICH  HOSPITAL  was  founded  in  1694, 
by  King  William  and  Queen  Mary,  and  is  situated 
about  five  miles  from  London-Bridge,  on  the  south- 
ern banks  of  the  Thames.  It  is  elevated  on  a  terrace, 
about  865  feet  in  length  towards  the  river,  and  con- 
sists of  four  distinct  piles  of  building,  distinguished 
by  the  names  of  King  Charles's,  Queen  Anne's, 
King  William's,  and  Queen  Mary's.  The  interval 
between  the  two  most  northern  buildings,  viz.  King 
Charles's  and  Queen  Anne's,  forms  the  grand  square, 
which  is  about  273  feet  wide. 

From  the  entrance  at  the  north  gate,  the  eye, 
passing  through  the  grand  square  between  the  two 
colonnades  to  the  Naval  Asylum,  is  bounded  by  the 
Royal  Observatory*,  erected  on  an  eminence  in  the 
park  ;  the  whole  presenting  the  most  magnificent  and 
beautiful  coup  d*  ceil  that  can  be  imagined. 

*  This  observatory  was  begun  to  be  erected  on  the  10th  of 
August,  1679,  by  order  of  King  Charles  the  Second, 

A  •* 


4  FABRIC. 

In  the  centre  of  the  grand  square  stands  a  beautiful 
statue  of  his  late  Majesty  King  George  the  Second, 
executed  by  the  famous  Rysbrach,  and  carved  out 
of  a  single  block  of  white  marble,  which  weighed 
eleven  ton*.  This  block  was  taken  from  the  French 
by  Admiral  Sir  George  Rooke,  and  the  stafhe  pre«i 
sented  by  Sir  John  Jennings,  Knt.  at  that  time 
Master  and  Governor  of  the  Hospital,  as  a  mark  of 
his  respect  and  gratitude  to  his  Royal  Master.  Ori 
the  pedestal  are  the  following  inscriptions  by  Mr. 

Stanyan.  *, 

On  the  East  tide : 

• — Ate  requies  senecta 
hie  modus  lotto  ntaris  fy  viarum 

milititeq ; 
On  the  West : 

— — -fessos  fxto  pladdissima  porti* 
accipit 

On  the  North : 
Kl'c  'times  diet  pater  atq ;  princeps. 

AND 

Underneath  the  Royal  Standard ; 
Jmperhim  pelagi 

*  Author  of  the  Grecian  History,  &c, 


.FABRIC.  5 

Ou  thi:  South : 
Principi  potentlssimo 

Grorgio  Ildo. 

Bntanmarum  regi 

Ctijns  ausp.-ctis  fy  patrocinio 

Augustissimum  hoc  Iwspirium 

Ad  isubfevandiis  militaniium 

in  classe  cmeritorium 

Labores — a  regii  ipsius  ante  cessoribus  futtdatum 

Auctius  indies  et  spfendidus  exurgii 

Johannes  Jennings  Eques. 

Ejusdem  hospitii  prfcfecttis 

Iconem  hanc  pro  debitd  sud 

Erga  principem  reverentid 

Et  patriam  cJiaritatt 

poxuit. 
Anno  Domini 

MDCCXXXT. 

We  n<m  proceed  to  give  a  particular  description  of 
each  of  the  four  distinct  bmldings  before  mentioned, 
all  of  which  are  quadrangular.  The  first,  called  King* 
Charles's  building,  is  on  the  west  side  of  the  great 
square ;  the  eastern  part  of  which  was  the  residence 
•f  Charles  the  Second,  and  was  erected  by  Mr. 


6  FABRIC. 

Webb,  after  a  design  of  that  celebrated  architect, 
Inigo  Jones  ;  it  is  of  Portland -stone,  and  rusticated. 
In  the  middle  is  a  tetrastyle  portico  of  the  Corinthian 
order,  crowned  with  its  proper  entablature,  and  a 
pediment.  At  each  end  is  a  pavilion  formed  by  four 
corresponding  pilasters  of  the  same  order  with  their 
entablature,  and  surmounted  by  an  attic  order  with 
a  balustrade. 

In  the  tympanum  of  the  pediment  is  a  piece  of 
sculpture  consisting  of  two  figures ;  the  one  repre- 
senting fortitude,  the  other,  Dominion  of  the  Sea. 

The  north  front,  which  is  towards  the  river,  pre- 
sents the  appearance  of  two  similar  pavilions,  each 
having  its  proper  pediment  supported  by  a  range  of 
the  same  Corinthian  columns  before  mentioned,  and 
their  entablature.  Ovej  the  portal,  which  joins  these 
two  pavilions,  is  an  ornament  of  festoons  and  flowers. 
In  the  tympanum  of  the  eastern  pediment,  which  was 
part  of  the  palace,  is  a  piece  of  sculpture  representing 
the  figures  of  Mars  and  Fame,  aud  in  the  freize  is  the 
following  inscription  : 

Carolus  II.  Rex. 

A  REG.  XVI. 


FABRIC.  7 

The  south  front  of  this  building  corresponds  with 
that  of  the  North,  except  the  sculptures  and  inscrip- 
tion. The  west  front  consists  of  a  brick  building, 
called  the  Bass-building*.  In  the  middle  it  has  a 
pediment  with  carving,  in  the  tympanum,  consisting 
of  the  national  arms  supported  by  two  genii,  with 
marine  trophies  and  other  ornaments.  The  carving 
of  the  pediment  is  allowed  to  be  well  executed  in  alto 
relievo :  it  is  30  feet  in  length,  and  7  feet  7  inches  iu 
height. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  square,  towards  the  east,  is 
Queen  Anne's  building,  having  its  north,  west,  and 
south  fronts  nearly  similar  to  King  Charles's,  last 
described  ;  but  the  sculptures  in  the  pediments,  a« 
well  as  in  the  western  pediment  of  the  north  front  of 
the  last-mentioned  building,  still  remain  unfinished. 

To  the  southward  of  these  are  the  other  piles  of 
building,  with  a  Doric  colonnade  adjoining  to  each. 
That  to  the  west  is  called  King  William's  ;  and  that 
to  the  east  Queen  Mary'?. 

King  William's  building  contains  the  great  hall, 
vestibule,  and  dome,  designed  and  erected  by  Sir 
Christopher  Wren.  The  tambour  of  the  dome  ia 

*  This  Bass-building  is  now  taken  down,  and  will  be  rebuilt 
in  a  style  similar  to  the  rest. 


8  FABRIC. 

formed  by  a  circle  of  columns  duplicated,  of  the  Com- 
posite order,  with  four  projecting  groups  of  columns 
at  the  quoins.  The  attic  above  is  a  circle  without 
breaks,  cuvered  with  the  dome,  and  terminated  with 
a  turret. 

.  The  west  front  of  this  building  is  of  brick*,  and 
was  finished  by  Sir  John  Vauburgh,  who  was  surveyor 
of  the  hospital.  In  the  middle  is  a  tetrastyle  frontis- 
piece, of  the  Doric  order,  the  columns  of  which  are 
nearly  six  feet  in  diameter,  and  proportionably  high, 
with  an  entablature  and  triglyphs  over  them,  all  of 
Portland  stone.  At  each  end  of  this  front  is  a  pavilion 
crowned  with  a  circular  pediment,  and  in  that  at  the 
north  end  is  a  piece  of  sculpture  consisting  of  groups 
of  marine  trophies,  and  four  large  heads,  embossed, 
representing  the  four  Winds ;  with  a  Sea  Lion  and 
Unicorn. 

.  The  north  and  south  fronts  of  this  buildin-g  are  of 
stone ;  the  windows  of  which  are  decorated  with  ar- 
chitraves and  imposts  rusticated,  and  the  walls  crowned 
with  cornicei. 

On  the  east  stands  Queen  Mary's  building,  in 
which  is  the  chapel,  as  before  mentioned,  with  its 
vestibule;  and  a  cupola  corresponding  to  the  other. 

*  This  part  of  the  building  is  intended  to  be  cased  with  stone. 


FABRIC.  9 

These  two  buildings  were  named  in  honor  of  the  royal 
founders,  and  were  intended  to  have  been  alike  ;  but 
in  the  latter,  however,  more  regard  has  been  paid  to 
convenience  than  to  ornament,  and  the  whole  front  of 
it  is  of  Portland  stone,  and  in  a  plain  style. 

The  colonnades  adjoining  to  these  buildings  are  115 
feet  asunder,  and  are  composed  of  upwards  of  300 
duplicated  Doric  columns  and  pilasters  of  Portland 
stone,  20  feet  high,  with  an  entablature  and  balus- 
trade. Each  of  them  is  347  feet  long,  having  a  return 
pavilion  at  the  end  70  feet  long. 

The  east  and  west  entiances  of  the  Hospital  are 
formed  by  two  rusticated  piers,  with  iron  gates,  hav- 
ing the  porter's  lodges  adjoining.  On  the  rustic 
piers  *  of  the  west  entrance  are  placed  two  large  stone 
globes,  each  six  feet  in  diameter,  one  celestial,  the 
other  terrestrial. 

In  different  parts  of  this  extensive  fabric,  com- 
modious apartments  are  provided  for  the  Governor  and 
principal  officers,  and  wards  are  properly  fitted  up  for 
the  pensioners  and  nurses ;  who,  (together  with  the 

*  If  these  piers  and  globes  were  moved  to  the  north  gate  on 
the  terrace,  adjoining  the  river,  as  hath  been  proposed,)  they 
wonld  be  seen  to  much  greater  advantage  than  iu  their  present 
situation. 

B 


10  FABRIC. 

officers*  families,  inferior  officers  and  servants,  resident 
within  the  walls)  amount  to  above  3000  persons. 

When  we  consider  the  beauty,  solidity,  and  mag- 
nificence of  this  superb  structure,  and  the  excellent 
uses  to  which  it  is  appropriated,  it  must  ever  be  con- 
templated with  reverence  and  admiration,  as  a  work 
of  national  grandeur,  and  at  the  same  time  the  no» 
blest  monument  of  wisdom  aad  benevolence^ 


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THE 

PAINTED    HALL. 


*THE  painting  of  this  Hall,  which  is  executed  in  a 
masterly  manner,  was  undertaken  by  Sir  James 
Thornhill,  in  1703. 

In  the  cupola  of  the  vestibule  is  represented  a  com- 
pass with  its  proper  points  duly  bearing  ;  and  in  the 
covings  in  the  chiaro-oscuro,  the  four  winds  with 
their  different  attributes. 

Over  each  of  the  three  doors  are  compartments  in 
chiaro-oscuro,  (supported  by  boys  supposed  to  be  the 
sons  of  poor  seamen,)  containing  the  names  of  the 
several  benefactors  to  the  Hospital ;  and  above,  in  a 
niche,  .is  the  figure  of  Charity. 

In  this  vestibule  is  the  model  of  an  antique  ship, 
presented  by  the  late  Lord  Anson ;  the  original, 
which  is  of  marble,  and  was  found  in  the  Villa 
Mattea,  in  the  16th  century,  now  stands  before  the 
church  of  Sw.  Maria  in  Rome,  hence  called  Su.  Maria 
Navicella. 

From  the  vestibule/  a  large  flight  of  steps  lead* 
i»to  the  saloon^  or  grand  hall,  which  is  about 


PAINTED   HALL.  l£ 

106  feet  long,  56  wide,  and  50  high,  ornamented 
with  a  range  of  Corinthian  pilasters  standing  on  a 
basement,  and  supporting  a  rich  entablature  above, 
Between  them  on  the  south  side  are  the  windows,  twq 
rows  in  height,  the  jambs  of  which  are  ornamented  with 
rpses  empannelled.  On  the  north  side  are  recessed 
answering  to  the  windows,  in  which  are  painted  in 
chiaro^oscuro,  the  following  allegorical  figures,  viz. 

"  Hospitalitas,  Magnanimitas,  LiberaKtas,  Mise~ 
«'  ricordia,  Generositas,  Bonitas,  Benignitas,  Human* 
«  itas." 

In  the  frieze  around  the  hall  is  the  following 
inscription. 

"  Pietas  avgusta  ut  habitent  secure  et  publict  alan- 
"  tur  qui .publicte  secnrilati  invigilarunt  regia  Greno- 
"  voci  Maria  aiispiciis  sublevandis  aautis  destinat  a 
"  regnantibus  Gulielma  4-  Maria,  MDCXCI V  *.*' 

Over  the  great  arch,  at  the  west  end,  are  the  British 
arms,  supported  by  Mars  and  Minerva,  which  are  very 
finely  sculptured. 


*  That  those  who  have  watched  for  the  security  of  the  public 
Anight  live  securely  and  be  maintained  at  the  public  charge,  the 
palace  at  Greenwich,  under  the  auspices  of  Mary,  was  destined 
for  the  relief  of  Seamen  in  the  reign  of  William  aad  Mary,  1694. 


1  PAINTED    HALL. 

Ou  the  ceiling  *  are  the  portraits  of  King  William 
and  Queen  Mary,  the  Royal  founders,  surrounded 
by  the  cardinal  virtues,  &c.  and  with  the  emblematical 
representation  of  the  four  seasons  of  the  year ;  this 
ceiling  is  very  well  described  by  Sir  Richard  Steele, 
in  his  Lover  ;  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy  : — 

"  In  the  middle  of  the  ceiling  is  a  very  large  oval 
"  frame,  painted  and  carved  in  imitation  of  gold,  with' 
**  a  great  thickness  rising  in  the  inside  to  throw  up 
"  the  figures  to  the  greater  height :  the  oval  is 
"  fastened  to  a  great  suffite  adorned  with  roses,  in 
imitation  of  copper.  The  whole  is  supported  by 

"  With  regard  to  the  ceiling,  which  is  entirely  the  work  of 
Sir  James  Thornhill,  I  am  certain  all  unprejudiced  persons 
with  or  without  much  insight  into  the  mechanic  "parts  of 
painting,  are  at  the  first  view  struck  with  the  most  agreeable 
harmony  and  play  of  colours  that  ever  delighted  the  eye  of  .a 
spectator.  The  composition  is  altogether  extremely  grand, 
the  groups  finely  disposed,  the  light  and  shade  so  contrived  us 
to  throw  the  eye  with  pleasure  on  the  principal  figures,  .which 
are  «lrawn  with  great  fire  and  judgment,  the  colouring  of  the 
flesh  delicious,  the  drapery  grand,  and  well  folded  5  and  upon 
examination,  the  allegory  is  found  clear,  well  invented,  and 
full  of  learning  :  in  short,  all  that  is  necessary  to  constitute  a 
complete  ceiling-piece  is  apparent  in  that  magnificent  work." 

HOGAHTU. 

See  Ireland's  Hogarth  Illustrated,  vol.  I.  page  53 


PAINTED  HALT;;  17 

ls  eight  gigantic  figures  of  slaves,  four  on  each  side, 
**  as  though  they  were  carved  in  stone. 
•  ««  About  the  oval,  in  the  inside,  are  placed  the 
"  twelve  signs  of  the  Zodiac;  these  have  their  atti- 
"  tudes,  and  their  draperies  are  varied  and  adapted  to 
"  the  seasons  they  possess;  likewise  the  fruits  and  the 
**  flowers  of  every  season  as  they  succeed  each  other. 
'*  In  the  middle  of  the  oval  are  represented  King 
«'  William  and  Queen  Mary  sitting  on  a  throne  under 
"  a  great  pavilion,  or  purple  canopy,  attended  by  the 
*'  four  cardinal  Virtues,  as  Prudence,  Temperance, 
"  Fortitude,  and  Justice. 

.  "  Over  the  Queenrs  head  is  Concord,  with  the 
•'•  fasces;  at  her  feet  two  doves,  denoting  mutual 
"  concord  and  innocent  agreement ;  with  Cupid  hold- 
"  ing  the  King's  Sceptre,  while  he  is  presenting 
"  Peace  with  the  Lamb  and  Olive  Branch,  and 
"  Liberty,  expressed  by  the  Athenian  cap,  to  Eu- 
*'  rope,  who,  laying  her  crowns  at  his  feet,  receives 
"  thtm  with  an  air  of  respect  and  gratitude.  The 
*'  King  tramples  Tyranny  under  his  feet,  which  is 
"  expressed  by  a  French  personage  with  his  leaden 
*'  crown  falling  off)  his  chains,  yoke,  and  iron  sword 
"  broken  to  pieces;  Cardinal's  cap,  triple-crowned 
*'  mitres,  &c.  tumbling  down.  Just  beneath  is  Time 
c 


IS  1-AINTDD  HAIL; 

"  bringing  Truth  to  light;  near  which  is  a  figure  of 
**  Architecture,  holding  a  large  drawing  of  part  of 
'.*  the  Hospital  with  the  Cupola,  and  pointing  up  to 
«.*  the  Royal  Founders,  attended  by  the  little  Genii 
**  of  her  art.  Beneath  her  is  Wisdom  and  Heroix* 
"  Virtue,  represented  by-  Pallas  and  Hercules, 
*.'  destroying  Ambition,  Envy,  Covetousness,  De* 
»*  traction,  Calumny,  with  other  vices  which  seem 
**  to  fall  to  the  earth,  the  place  of  their  more  natural 
"  abode. 

"  Over  the  Royal  Pavilion  is  shewn,  at  a  great 
"  height,  Apollo  in  his  golden  chariot,  drawn  by  four 
**  white  hotses,  attended  by  the  Horae,  and  morning 
**  dews  falling  before  him,  going  his  course  through 
*.*  thfe  twelve  signs  of  the  Zodiac ;  and  from  him  the 
*'  whole  plafond  or  ceiling  is  enlightened. 

*'  Each  end  of  the  ceiling  is  "raised  in  perspective, 
"  with  a  balustrade  and  eliptic  arches,  supported  by 
"  groups  of  stone  figures,  which  form  a  gallery  of 
«  1fte  whole  breadth  of  the  hall ;  in  the  middle  of 
"  *hich  gallery,  (as  though  on  the  stocks,)  going 
"  into  the  upper  hall,  is  seen,  in  perspective,  the 
"  tsfferil  of  the  Blenheim  man  of  war,  with  all  her 
"  galleries,  port-holes  open,  &c.  to  one  side  of  which 
Cf  is  u  figure  of  Victory  fiyiris?.  with  spoils  taken  from 


?AI»TED  HAI.L.  19 

•'  the  energy,  and  putting  thein  on  board  the  English 
M  man  of  war.  Before  the  ship*  is  a  figure  represent- 
*'  iug  the  city  of  London,  with  the  arms,  swprd,  and 
u  cap  of  maintenance,  supported  by  Thame  and  Isis, 
"  with  the  other  small  rivers  offering  up  their  trea- 
*'  sures  to  her.  The  river  Tyne  pouring  forth  sacks 
•'  of  coals.  In  the  gallery  on  each  side  of  the  ship 
**  are  the  Arts  and  Sciences  that  relate  to  Navigation, 
'*  with  the  great  Archimedes,  many  old  philosophers 
*'  consulting  the  compass,  &c. 

"  At  the  other  end,  as  you  return  out  of  the  Hall, 
**  is  a  gallery  in  the  same  manner,  in  the  middle  of 
••*«  which  is  a  stern  of  a  beautiful  galley  filled  with 
"  Spanish  trophies.  Under  which  is  the  Hamber 
"  with  his  pigs  of  lead ;  the  Severn  with  the  Avoi> 
*'  falling  into  her,  with  other  lesser  rivers.  In  the 
**  north  tud  of  the  gallery  is  the  famous  Tycho  Brahe, 
"  that  noble  Danish  knight,  and  great  ornament  of 
"  his  profession  and  human  nature.  Near  him  is 
"  Copernicus,  with  his  Pythagorean  sy&tem  in  his 
"  Ijand ;  next  to  hire  is  an  old  matlicmutician,  holding 
•*•'  a  large  table,  and  on  k  a/e  described  two  principal 
*•  figures  of  the  incomparable  Sir  Isaac  Newton^  on 
"  which  many  extraordinary  things  in  that  art  are 
*'  built.  -On  the  other  end  of  the  gallery  to  the  south, 
c2 


20  PAINTED  HALL, 

*'  is  the  learned  Mr.  Flamsted,  Reg.  Astron.  Prd- 
;  "  fess.  with  his  ingenious  disciple,  Mr.  Thomas  Wes- 
"  ton*.  In  Mr.  Flamsted's  hand  is  a  large  scroll 
ff  of  paper,  on  which  is  drawn  the  great  eclipse  of  the 
-"  Sun  that-happened  in  April,  1715;  near  him  is 
"  an  old  man  with  a  pendulum,  counting  the  seconds 
•"  of  time,  as  Mr.  Flamsted  makes  his  observations, 
"  with  his  great  rnural  arch  and  tube,  on  the  descent 
"  of  the  moon  on  the  Severn,  which  at  certain  times 
*l  form  such  a  roll  of  the  tides,  as  the  sailors  .corruptly 
*e  call  the  Higre,  instead  of  the  Eagre,  and  is  very 
ff  dangerous  to  all  ships  in  its  way.  This  is  also  ex- 
."  pressed  by  rivers  tumbling  down  by  the  moon's  in- 
t(  fluence  into  the  Severn.  In  this  gallery  are  more 
."  arts  and  sciences  relating  to  Navigation. 

*'  All  the  great  rivers,  at  each  end  of  the  Hall,  have 
*'  their  proper  product  of  fish  issuing  out  of  their 
*'  vases. 

<(  In  the  four  angles  of  the  ceiling,  which  are  over 
"  the  arches  of  the  galleries,  are  the.  four  elements, 
ic  as  Fire,  Air,  Earth,  and  Water,  represented  by 
"  Jupiter,  Juno,  Cibele,  and  Neptune,  with  their 


*  He  was  the  first  Master  of  the  Charity  Boys. 


PAINTED   HALL.  21 

*c  lesser  deities  accompanying,  as  Vulcan,  Iris,  the 
.*'•  Fauui,  Amphitritc,  with  all  their  proper  atti- 
'*  tudes,  &c. 

-  -  "  At  one  end  of  the  great  oval  is  a  large  figure  of 
"  Fame  descending,  riding  on  the  Winds,  and  souni- 
"*'  ing  forth  the  praises  of  the  Royal  Pair. 

-  ft  All    the    sides    of  the    Hall    are   adorned    with 
««   fluted   pilasters,   trophies  of  shells,  corals,  pearls ; 
"the  jambs  of  the  windows  ornamented  with   roses 
*'  impannelled,    the  opus    reticulamium,  heightened 
*'  with  green  gold. 

•"  The  whole  raises  in  the  spectator  the  most  lively 
*'  images  of  Glory  and  Victory,  and  cannot  be  be.xld 
"  without  much  passion  and  emotion." 

From  this  Saloon  you  ascend  by  another  flight  of 
Steps  into  the  upper  Hall,  the  ceiling  and  sides  of 
which  are  adorned  with  different  paintings.  In  the 
centre  of  the  ceiling  is  represented  Queen  Anne  and 
Prince  George  of  Denmark,  accompanied  with  va- 
rious emblematical  figures. 

In  the  four  corners  are  the  arms  of  England,  Scot- 
land, France,  and  Ireland,  between  which  are  the 
four  quarters  of  the  world,  Europe,  Asia,  Africa, 
and  America,  with  the  emblems  and  productions  of 
each. 


2'f  TAINTED    HALL, 

Ontlic  left-hand  side,  as  you  enter,  is  a  painting 
in  imitation  of  basso  relievo,  representing  the  landing 
»f  the  Prince  of  Orange,  afterwards  King  William. 
Ou  the  right-hand  over  the  chimney,  is  the  landing  of 
King  George  the  First  at  Greenwich. 

At  the  farther  end  of  this  Hall  are  painted  the 
portraits  of  King  George  the  First  and  his  *  Family, 
with  many  emblematical  figures ;  amongst  which  the 
painter  (Sir  James  Thorahill,}  has  also  introduced  hi* 
t»wn  portrait. 

On  the  right  and  left  of  the  entrance  are  allegorical 
paintings,  representing  "  The  Pubiie  Wetk!>  and 
Public  Safely." 

The  whole  of  this  celebrated  work  was  not  com- 
Dieted  till  1727,  and  cost  .£6,685.,  being  after  the 
rate  of  £$  per  yard  for  the  ceiling,  and  «£l  per 
yard  for  the  sides.  It  contains  in  square  feet 
53,6/8. 

This.  Painting  Has  lately  been  cleaned  and  repaired 


*  King  George  the  First  loaning  on  a  terrestrial  globe,  on  his 
right  liiiuft  the  Princess  of  Waks,  and  Queen  of  Prussia  3 
above,  the  Princess  Sophia  ;  on  His  Majesty's  knee  leans  Prince 
Frederick,  near  him  is  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  of  Waits  ; 
IM  sides  these,  the  three  young  Princesses,  and  Prince  William", 
alUnvanlsDuke  of  Cumberland,  with  his  other  sisters. 


PAINTED  HALL.  S3 

fey  lite  eminent  artist  J.  f.   Rigand,  Esq.  with  great 
judgment  and  skill. 

In  this  Hall  is  pierced  (he  Famral  Car  which  ron- 
veyed  the  remains  of  the  late  Lord  Viscount  Xelson 
4o  Si.  Paul's  Cathedral,  on  the  9'^  of  January,  1806', 
presented  by  ike  Lord  Chamberlain,  the  Earl  of 
Dartmouth,  to  Greenwich  Hospital,  llicre  to  remain, 
as  «  permanent  memorial  of  the  gratitude  ichifJi  & 
generous  Nation  is  ever  trilling  to  shew  to  iho&t 
Heroes  who  have  fallen  gloriously  in  the  service  of 
their  Country. 

CHAPE  L*. 

THE  interior  part  and  roof  of  the  former  Chapel, 
which  was  executed  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Ripley, 
the  surveyor,  being  destroyed  by  fire,  on  the  2d  of 
January,  1"79»  has  been  restored  in  the  most  beau- 

*  "  For  truly -classical  design  in  which  no  ornnment  is  applied 
but  from  an  antique  example,  the  Chupel  of  Greenwich  Hospital, 
a*  restored  by  the  Athenian  Stusrt,  has  no  rival  in  England,  I 
luid  almost :  aid  in  Italy.  So  pure  a  taste,  and  so  charucteristical 
.it  luagnififtnce,  should  be  consulted  and  adopted  in  all  ecclesias- 
tical structures  that  may  hereafter  he  erected  upon  the  Grecian 
Model." 

ofthf  Arts  in  Painting,  by  tlie  Rfi.  Jai»?t  Dallau-ay. 


£i  CHAPEL* 

tiful  and  elegant  style  of  Grecian  Architecture,  froift 
designs  of  the  late  surveyor  James  Stuart,  Esq.  the 
celebrated  publisher  of  the  Antiquities  of  Athens, 
and  under  the  superintendance  of  Mr.  W.  Newton, 
Clerk  of  the  Works. 

Immediately  before  the  entrance  of  the  chapel  is 
an  octangular  vestibule,  in  which  are  four  niches, 
containing  statutes  of  faith,  Hope,  Charily,  j\lcek~ 
ness;  executed  in  a  capital  style,  at  Coade's  Orna- 
mental Stone  Manufactory  at  Lambeth,  from  de- 
signs by  West ;  under  which  Statues  are  the  following 
Inscriptions : 

CHARITY. 

"  Whosoever  shall  give  to  drink  unto  one  of  these  little  ones, 
"  «  cup  of  cold  tcatcr  only,  in  the  name  of  a  Disciple,  rerlly  f 
*'  fsc.'j  unto  ijoity  he  shall  in  no  wise  lose  his  reward.''''  Matt. 
x.  4-i. 

MEEKNESS. 

*'  filessed  are  the  meek  ;  far  the;/  shall  inherit  the  earth," 
Matt.  v.  5. 

HOPE. 

"  Which  h^pc  we  hare  ax  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and 
*'  stciSfast"  Heb.  vi.  19. 

FAITH. 

"  Faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  far,  the  evidence  of 
41  tilings  not  seen."1  Ilcb.  xi.  i. 

From  this  vestibule  you  ascend,  by  a  flight  of  1-4 


CHAPEL.  25 

steps,  to  the  Chapel;  which  is  111  feet  long,  and  52 
feet  broad,  and  .capable  of  conveniently  accommo- 
dating ;100Q  PensiQners,  Nurses,  and  Boys,  exclusive 
of  pews  for  the  Directors,  and  for  the  several  Officers, 
under  Officers,  &c. 

Over  the  portal  or  great  door  of  the;  Chapel,  is  this 
inscription,  in  letters  of  gold  : 

*'  Let  them  give  thanks,  whom  the  Lord  hath  re- 
deemed, and  delivered  from  the  hand  of  the  enemy" 
Psa.  107. 

The  portal  consists  of  an  architrave,  frieze,  the 
cornice  of  statuary  marble,  the  jajubs  of  which'  are 
twelve  feet  high  in  one  piece,  and  enriched  with  ex- 
cellent sculpture.  The  frieze  is  the  work  of  Bacon, 
and  consists  of  the  figures  of  two  Angels  with  festoous, 
supporting  the  sacred  Writings,  in  the  leaves  of  which 
is  the  following  inscription  : 

"  The  Law  was  given  by  Moses;  but  Grace  and 
Truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ." 

The  great  folding  doors  are  of  mahogany,  highly 
enriched,  and  the  whole  composition  of  this  portal  is 
not  at  this  time  to  be  paralleled  hi  this,  or  perhaps  in 
any  other  country. 

Within  this  entrance  is  a  portico  of  six  fluted 
marble  columns,  fifteen  feet  high.  The  capitals  and 

D 


26  CHAPEL. 

bases  are  Ionic,  after  Greek  models.  The  column* 
support  the  organ  gallery,  and  are  crowned  wiih  an 
entablature  and  balustrade,  enriched  with  suitable 
ornaments. 

On  the  tablet  in  front  of  the  gallery,  is  a  basso- 
relievo,  by  Coade,  representing  the  figures  of  Angels 
sounding  the  harp  ;  on  the  pedestals  on  each  side  are 
ornaments  consisting  of  trumpets  and  other  instru- 
ments of  music ;  and.,  on  the  tablet  beneath  is  the 
following  inscription  in  letters  of  gold : 

"  Praise  him  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet. 
Praise  him  with  stringed  instruments  and  organs." — 
Psa.  150. 

In  this  gallery  is  a  very  fine  organ,  made  by 
Mr.  Samuel  Green. 

On  each  side  of  the  organ  gallery,  are  four  grand 
columns;  their  shafts  of  Scagliola,  in  imitation  of 
Sienna  marble,  by  Richter,  anil  their  capitals  and 
bases  of  statuary  marble ;  at  the  opposite  end  of  the 
chapel  are  four  others  of  the  same  sort,  which  support 
the  arched  ceiling  and  roof.  These  columns  are  of 
the  Corinthian  order,  and  without  their  pedestals,  are 
28  feet  high. 

On  the  sides  of  the  Chapel,  between  the  upper 
anil  lower  range  of  windows,  are  the  two  galleries, 


CHAPEL.  27 

in  which  are  pews  for  the  officers  and  their  families  ; 
those  of  the  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor, 
which  are  opposite  each  other,  are  distinguished 
by  ornaments,  consisting  of  the  Naval  Crown  and 
other  suitable  insignia.  Underneath  these  galleries, 
and  the  cantilivers  which  support  them,  are  ranges 
of  Huted  pilasters.  The  cantilivers  are  decorated 
with  marine  ornaments :  the  interval  between  them 
with  festoons,  &c.  and  the  pedestals  of  the  balus- 
trade in  the  front  of  the  galleries  with  tridents  an4 
wreaths.  The  tablets  in  the  middle  of  each  balustrade, 
contain  the  Hospital's  arms,  by  Coade,  and  the  frieze 
below  is  carved  with  foliage  in  the  Greek  mode.  Over 
the  lower  range  of  windows  are  paintings,  in  chiaro- 
oscuro,  representing  some  of  the  principal  events 
in  the  life  of  our  Saviour,  which  are  accompanied 
with  ornaments  of  candelabra  and  festoons. 

Above  the  galleries  is  a  richly  carved  stone  fascia, 
on  which  stands  a  range  of  pilasters  of  the  Composite 
mode,  their  shafts  being  of  Scagliola,  corresponding 
•with  those  of  the  eight  great  columns,  and  jointly 
with  them,  appearing  to  support  the  epistylium  which 
surrounds  the  whole  Chapel.  This  epistylium  js 
enriched  with  Angels,  bearing  festoons  of  oak  Jeaves, 
dolphins,  shells  and  other  applicable  ornaments. 
p  2 


$$  CHAPEL. 

From  this  rises  the  curved  ceiling,  which  is  divided 
into  compartments,  and  enriched  with  foliage,  golochi, 
&c.  in  the  antique  styk.  Between  the  upper  pilasters 
are  recesses,  in  which  are  painted  ja  chiaro-oscuro, 
the  Apostles  and  the  Evangelists, 

At  each  end  of  the  galleries  are  concave  recesses, 
the  coves  of  which  are  ornamented  with  coffers  and 
flowers  carved  in  stone;  in  these  recesses  are  the 
doors  of  entrance  to  the  galleries;  decorated  with 
enriched  pilasters  and  entablatures,  and  a  group  of 
ornaments,  consisting  of  the  naval  crown,  wreaths 
of  laurel  and  tridents.  Above  the  doors  are  circu- 
lar recesses,  containing  paintings  in  chiaro-oscuro, 
of  the  prophets  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Moses  and  Da- 
vid. 

The  communion  table  is  a  semi-oval  slab  of  sta- 
tuary marble,  near  eight  feet  long:  The  ascent  to  it 
is  by  three  steps  of  black  marble,  on  which  is  fixed 
an  ornamental  railing,  representing  festoons  of  ears  of 
corn  and  wine  foilage.  This  table  is  supported  by 
six  cherubims,  standing  on  a  marble  step  of  the  same 
dimensions,  executed  at  Coade's  manufactory,.  «n 
each  of  whom  are  placed  two  elegant  candelabra.- 

Above  is  a  painting  by  West,  in  a-  superb 
carved  and  gilt  frame,  representing  the  Prcserva- 


CHAPEL.  *5» 

of  St.  Paul  from  Shipwreck,  on   the  Island  of 
Melila* 

This  picture  is  25  feet  high,  and  14  wide,  .consuls, 
of  three  principal  groups.  The  first,  which  is  at  the 
lower  part,  represents  the  mariners  :uid  prisoners 
bringing  on  shore  the  various  articles  which:  have  b$*ii 
preserved  from  the.  wreck;  near  these  is  an  elegant 
figure,  supposed  to  be  a  Roman  lady  of  distinction., 
clasping  with  affection  an  urn,  containing  the  ashes 
of  her  deceased  husband,  who  had  fallen  iri  the  wart 
of  Judea^  Before  her  is  an  aged,  infirm  man,  -trho 
being  unable  to  assist  himself,  is  carried  in  the  arras 
of  two  robust  young  men. 

In  the  middle  part  of  the  piece  is  the  principal 
.group,  consisting  of  St.  Paul  shaking  into  tire  fire 
the  viper  that  had  fastened  on  his  hand,  the  brethren 
who  accompanied  him,  his  friend  the  Centurion,  and 
a  band  of  Roman  soldiers  with  their  proper  insignia. 

The  figures  above  these,  on  the  summit  of  the 
rocks,  form  the  third  group;  and  consist  of  the  hos- 
pitable islanders  lowering  down  fuel  and  other  neces- 
saries for  the  relief  of  the  sufferers. 


*  A  priut  also  of  this  picture,  (2&f  iuches  by  u-j)  engrarei 
by  F.  Barlolozzi,  historical  engraver  lo  His  Majesty,  was  puh- 
'Jished  by  B.  West,  and  J.  Barney,  Jan.  1791. 


30  CHAPEL. 

-  The  sea  and  wrecked  ship  (which  at  this  point  of 
time  are  considered  as  an  episode)  appear  in  the  buck 
ground,  and  combine  to  exhibit  a  scene  that  cannot 
fail  of  having  a  proper  effect  on  the  minds  of  sea- fa- 
ring men,  and  of  impressing  them  with  a  due  sense  of 
their  past  preservation,  and  their  present  comfortable 
situation  and  support  in  this  glorious  asylum  for 
.Naval  Misfortune,  and  Naval  Worth. 

On  either  side  the  arch  which  terminates  the  top 
of  this  picture,  are  Angels  of  statuary  marble,  as 
large  as  life,  by  Bacon,  one  bearing  the  Cross,  the 
other  the  emblems  of  the  Eucharist.  This  excellent 
combination  of  the  works  of  art  is  terminated  above 
(in  the  segment  between  the  great  cornice  and  ceiling) 
by  a  painting  of  the  Ascension,  designed  by  West 
and  executed  by  Rebecca,  in  chiaro-oscuro  ;  forming 
the  last  of  a  series  of  paintings  of  the  life  of  our 
Saviour,  which  surround  the  Chapel. 

The  middle  of  the  aisle,  and  the  space  round  the 

altar  and  organ  gallery,  are  paved  with  black  and 

.white  marble  in  golochi,  frets,  and  other  ornaments  : 

having    in     the    centre,    an    anchor    and.    seaman's 

compass. 

The  pulpit  is  on  a  circular  plan,  supported  by  six 
fluted  columns  of  lime-tree,  with  an  entablature 


CHAPEL.  31 

above,  richly  carved,  and  of  the  same  muterials.  In 
the  bis  inter-columns,  are  the  following  alto-relievos, 
taken  from  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  executed  from 
designs  by  West,  at  Coade's  Manufactory. 

Acts,  Chap_ 
The  Conversion  of  St.  Paul.  ix 

•Cornelius'  vision.  x 

Peter  released  from  Prison  by  the  Angel,  xii 

Elymas  struck  blind.  .xiii 

St.  Paul  preaching  at  Athens,  and  converting 

Dionysius  the  Areopagite.  xvii 

Paul  pleading  before  Felix.  xxiv 

The  reader's  desk  is  formed  on  a  square  plan,  with 
columns  at  the  four  corners,  uud  the  entablature 
over  them  similar  to  those  of  the  pulpit:  in  the  four 
.inter-columns  are  also  alto-relievos  of  the  prophets, 
copied  after  designs  of  the  same  artist. 

Daniel. — Micah. — Zechariah. — JJalachi. 

\ 

The  following  paintings  in  chiaro-oscura,  relative 
to  our  Saviour,  are  placed  over  the  lower  windows: 

The  first  four  of  the  series,  painted  by  D>e  Bruyn, 
are  at  the  east  end  of  the  south  side  of  the  Chapel, 
.•and  represent 

The  Nativity. — The  Angel  appearing  to  the  shep- 
herds.—  The  Magi  worshipping.—  Flight  into  Egypt. 


52  CHAPEL. 

.  The  four,  which  follow  on  the  sarae  side,  are  by 
Catton,  and  represen  t 

St.  John  baptizing. — Calling  nf  Si.  Pe'er  and  St. 
Andrew. — Qur  Saviour  preaching  Jrcm  a  Sh:p  to  the 
people  on  the  shore. — -The  stilling  of  the  tempests. 

The  four,  at  the  west  end  of  the  north  side,  are  by 
Milburne,  and  represent 

Our  Saviour  walking  on  the  sta,  and  saving  Peter 
from  sinking. — The  blind  man  cured  by  a  touch.- — 
Lazarus  raised  from  the  dead. — The  transfigu- 
ration. 

The  next  four  on  the  same  side  are  by  Rebecca, 
and  represent 

The  Lord's  supper. — Our  Saviour  carried  before 
Pilate. — The  Crucifixion. — The  Resurrection. 

The  Apostles  and  Evangelists  in  the  recesses  be- 
tween the  upper  windows,  and  the  four  Prophets  in 
the  circles  above  the  gallery  doors,  are  by  the  last- 
mentioned  artist,  after  designs  of  Mr.  West. 

The  principal  artificers,  who  were  employed  in  re- 
building the  Chapel,  were,  Mr.  John  Deval,  Mason  ; 
Mr.  Richard  Lawrence,  Carver  ;  Mr.  Samuel  Wyatt, 
Carpenter;  Mr.  James  Arrow,  Joiner;  Mr.  John 
Papworth,  Plasterer. 


COUNCIL    CHAMBER.  33 

COUNCIL  ROOM. 

ADJOINING  to  the  Governor's  apartment  in  Kin<* 
Charles's  Building,  is  a  room  so  called,  where  the 
Directors  occasionally  meet  on  the  affairs  of  the 
Hospital;  here  a  Council  is  held  every  Friday,  (or 
oftener  if  necessary)  by  the  Officers  entrusted  with 
the  internal  government  of  the  pensioners,  &c. 

In  this  Room  are  several  paintings. 

A  whole-length  portrait  of  King  George  the  Se-. 
cond,  in  his  robes,  by  Sbackleton,  the  bequest  of  a 
former  Governor,  Admiral  Townshend. 

Two  half-length  portraits  of  King  William  and 
Queen  Mary,  by  Sir  Godfrey  Kneller,  the  gift  of  the 
late  Sir  John  Van  Hattem,  Knight,  of  Dinton  Hall, 
Bucks. 

A  whole-length  portrait,  by  Gainsborough,  of  the 
late  Earl  of  Sandwich,  the  gift  of  Sir  Hugh  Palliser, 
Bart,  late  Governor. 

A  half-length  portrait,  by  Sir  Peter  Lely,  of*  Ed- 
uard,  the  first  Earl  of  Sandwich,  who  was  killed, 
in  the  engagement  in  Solebay,  in  J672,  the  gift  of 
the  late  Earl. 

This  re  mnvned  Admiral,  fnv  his  many  s;ood  services,  and  HS 
a  mark  of  his  Majesty's  favour,  (King  Charles  the  2d.)  was 
feurtcd  iu  Henry  tlie  Vllth's  chapel,  near  to  Queen  Elizabeth. 


34  COUNCIL    CHAMBER, 

A  half-length  portrait  of  Nicholas  Haddock,  Esq. 
Vice^  Admiral  of  the  Bine, 

A  whole-length  portrait  of  Robert  Osbolston,  Esq. 
(a  considerable  benefactor.)  A  copy,  by  Degard. 

Ditto  of  Lord  Viscount  Torrington,  by  Davison, 
}734. 

Ditto,  by  Richardson,  of  Admiral  Sir  John  Jen- 
nings, a  former  Governor. 

A  three-quarters  oval  of  Captain  Clements,  a  former 
Lieutenant-Governor,  by  Greenhill,  pupil  of  Sir 
Peter  Lely,  the  gift  of  the  Captain's  widow. 

The  head  of  a  venerable  old  man  *,  one  of  the 
first  pensioners  who  was  admitted  into  the  Hospital. 

A  spring-clock,  by  Holmes,  from  a  design  of  the 
late  Mr.  Stuart,  when  Surveyor  of  the  Hospital. 

A  painting,  (supposed  to  be  by  Vandevelt) ,  which 
represents  the  burning  of  the  Royal  James,  of  100 
guns,  having  on  board  the  Earl  of  Sandwich,  in  the 
battle  of  Solebay,  on  the  28th  of  May,  1/62,  the 
gift  of  the  honourable  John  Forbes,  admiral  of  the 
fleet. 

Ditto  by  Serres,  which  represents  the  memorable 
engagement  of  Sir  Edward  Hawke  with  Marshal 


*  John  Worley,  born  in  Wales,  anno.  1624,  admitted  into  the 
Hospital  iu  1704-5,  died  1721,  aged  97. 


CdUHClL    CHAMBER.  55 

Cdnflans,  on  the  20th  of  November,  1759,  the  gift  of 
William  Locker,  Esq.  late  Lieutenant-Governor. 

A  portrait  of  Lord  Viscount  Hood,  Governor  of 
the  Hospital,  the  gift  of  George  Parker,  Esq.  a  late 
Director. 

In  other  parts  of  the  room  there  are  various  sea- 
pieces,  one  of  which  describes  Captain  Kempthorne's 
action  in  the  Mary  Rose,  a  small  frigate,  with  seven 
Algerines,  in  the  Mediterranean,  in  the  year  1669*  ; 
also  several  original  designs,  by  West,  of  the  alto- 
relievos,  and  paintings  in  chiaro-oscuro,  in  the  Chapel 
of  the  Hospital ;  and  likewise  some  remarkably  curi- 
ous sketches,  for  the  paintings  in  the  Great  Hall, 
presented  by  Mr.  Sluart,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  T.  Coir, 
of  Badloy,  Northamptonshire. 

ANTI-CHAMBER  TO  THE  COUNCIL-ROOM. 

A  bust  of  Lord  Hawke,  Admiral  of  the  Fleet,  given 
by  the  late  Lieutenant-Governor  Locker. 

In  different  parts  of  the  Room  are  the  following 
paintings,  viz. 

Two  large  sea-pieces  by  Philip  Harman,  Esq.  re- 

* . T_ 

*  Where,  as  the  song  says, 

Tuo  we  sunk,  tivo  ice  burnt,  and  tiro  did  run  away  y 
lint  one  we  carried  to  Leghorn-road,  to  shew  we'd  won  the  day. 


33  COUNCIL  CHAMBER. 

presenting  the  naval  exploits  of  his  ancestor,  Captain* 
Thomas  Harman,  in  the  reign  of  Charles  II.  one 
at  the  upper  end  of  the  room,  being  an  engagement 
between  the  Tyger  frigate,  commanded  by  Captain 
Harrnan,  and  eight  Dutch  prirateers,  in  opposition  to 
which  he  conducted  a  large  Meet  of  colliers  into  the 
liver  Thames,  without  the  loss  of  one,  when  there 
was  the  greatest  want  of  coals  in  London  :  the  other, 
over  the  door  at  the  lower-end,  being  an  engagement 
between  the  same  Captain,  in  the  same  frigate,  and  a 
Dutchman  of  war,  in  the  Bay  of  Bulls:  in  which 
the  latter  was  taken  and  towed  into  the  harbour  of 
Cadiz,  in  sight  of  a  squadron  of  Dutch  ships  riding 
there. 

A  half-length  portrait  of  Sir  John  Nome,  Knt. 
Admiral  of  the  fleet,  given  by  Mrs.  Norris. 

Six  small  pictures  rep'resenting  the  loss  of  the  Lux- 
embourg galley,  commanded  by  William  Kellaway, 
(which  was  burnt  in  the  year  1/27,  on  her  passage 
from  Jamaica  to  London,)  and  the  subsequent  dis- 
tresses of  part  of  her  crew:  the  gift  of  Mr.  Parker, 
executor  to  Captain  Maplesden,  a  former  Lieutenant- 
governor  of  the  Hospital ;  and  a  half-length  of  tiie 
gallant  Captain  Lushington,  who  wa&  killed  a.t  tlit 
attack  ef  La  Guiara,  1742. 


INFIRMARY.  S7 

A  month  equation  clock,  with  a  double,  pendulum, 
by  Quire. 


INFIRMARY. 

THE  Infirmary,  designed  by  Mr.  Stuart,  the 
late  Surveyor,  and  completed  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  Robinson,  then  Clerk  of  the  Works,  is  a 
•quadrangular  brick  building,  195  feet  in  length,  and 
1~5  feet  in  breadth;  and  divided  into  t\vo  principal 
parts,  one  for  the  patients  under  the  care  of  the  phy- 
sician and  the  other  for  those  tvhose  cases  require  the 
attendance  of  a  surgeon. 

O 

Each  part  is  two  stories  in  height,  containing  a 
ilouble  row  of  rooms,  being  altogether  in  number  64, 
calculated  to  hold  25G  patients ;  each  room  has 
a  chimney-place,  with  an  aperture  near  the  ceiling. 
for  the  purpose  of  ventilation.,  and  will  accommodate 
four  patients. 

In  the  fore-part  of  this  building,  which  consists  of 
the  physician's  division,  is  the  Hall;  opposite  to  it,  iu 
the  back-part,  which  belongs  to  the  surgeon,  is  the 
;  and  in  the  upper  story  is  a  small 


38  SCHOOL. 

where  prayers  are  read  by  the  chaplains  twice  a  week, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  patients. 

In  the  four  angles  and  other  parts  of  the  building, 
are  the  Dispensary  and  Surgery,  and  apartments  for 
the  physician ;  for  the  surgeon  and  apothecary,  with 
their  respective  assistants  ;  and  for  the  matron*  All 
possible  care  is  taken  that  the  diet  of  the  sick  is 
adapted  to  their  particular  cases. 

There  is  now  erected,  contiguous  to  the  Infirmary, 
an  additional  building,  in  which  are  hot  and  cold 
baths,  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  helpless 
pensioners. 


SCHOOL. 

THIS  building,  designed  by  Mr.  Stuart,  the  late 
Surveyor,  was  erected  near  the  Hospital,  under  the 
superintendence  of  Mr.  Newton,  Clerk  of  the  Works, 
and  is  145  feet  in  length,  and  42  in  breadth,  exclusive 
of  its  Tuscan  colonnade,  intended  for  a  play-place  and 
shelter  for  the  boys  in  bad  weather,  which  is  180  feet 
long,  and  20  feet  broad. 

Here  is  a  school -room,  100  feet  long  and  25  bror.d, 
Containing  200  boys;  in  the  tv.o  stories  above  arr 


ESTABLISHMENT  OF  OFFICERS,  &C.  5$ 

dormitories  of  the  same  size,  fitted  up  with  hammocks 
for  the  hoys  to  sleep  in.  Adjoining  are  rooms  for  the 
guardian,  nurses,  and  other  necessary  attendants; 
and,  at  a  small  distance,  a  house  for  the  school- 
master. 


THE     PRESENT 

ESTABLISHMENT  OF  OFFICERS, 
PENSIONERS,  &c.  &c.  &c. 


A  Master  and  Governor 

A  Lieut.  Governor 

Four  Captains 

Eight  Lieutenants 

A  Treasurer  and  Receiver 

(General 
A  Stcretary 
An  Auditor 
Two  Chaplains 
A  P/iysiciQii 
A  Steward 
A  Surgeon  ff  two  Assistants 


A  Clerk  of  the  Checqite 
A  Surveyor 
A  Clerk  of  the  Works 
An  Apothecary  if  one 

Assistant 
Three  Matrons 
A  Schoolmaster 
An  Organist 
A  Butler 
And  feveral  Clerks  and 

under  Officers. 


The  Governor  and  Treasurer  are  appointed  ly 
royal  patent. 

The  rest  of  the  officers  by  the  Board  of  Admiralty, 
except  the  Surveyor,  the  two  Receivers  of  the  Hos- 
pital's Estates  in  the  North,  and  Clerk  of  the  Works, 


40  PEi'siONF.r,-., 

who  are  appointed  by  the  general  commissioners ' 
due  school -master  and  messenger  by  the  boartl  of 
and  a.11  the  clerks  by  their  reipective  sups- 


OF  PENSIONERS, 

T»E  number  of  pensioners  now  maintained  in  thte 
Hospital  are  24G&.  Every  boatswain  is  allowed; 
•>,v.  fad. — every  mate  Is.  6cL — aiitl  every  private  man 
Is,  per  week  for  pocket  money. 

They  are  also  allowed  in  the  space  of  two  year?, 
a.  blue  suit  of  clothes,  a  hat,  three  pair  of  blue  yarn 
feosey  three  pair  of  shoes,  four  shirts,  and  a  great 
«f>ar,y  if  necessary.  Their  diet  consists  06  one  loaf  oi 
Itread  of  sixteen  ounces,  and  two  quarts  of  beer  every 
day, — one  pound  of  mutton  on  Sunday  and  Tuesday, — - 
«H)«  pouiidof  beef  mi  Monday,  Thursday,  and  Satuiv 
*!ay, — pease-soup,  cheese  and  butter,  on  Wednesday 
«nd  'Friday. 

Persons  desirou?  of  being  admitted  pensioners, 
apply  at  the  Admiralty-oflice,  at  least  ten  days  before 
the  day  of  examination  (the  days  appointed  for  thiit 
£>;irposer  are  the  first  Thursdays  in  every  mouth) 


OU-E-PENSIONERS,  41 

where  they  receive  letters  directed  to  the  proper 
officer  at  the  Navy-Offioe,  for  certificates  of  their 
time  of  service  in  the  Navy,  which  certificates  are  sent 
to  the  Admiralty  before  the  day  of  examination ; 
when  the  candidates  are  seen  by  .the  Board  .(the  Sur- 
geon of  the  Hospital  attending),  and  those  who  are 
found  to  be  proper  objects  are  minuted  to  be  sent 
to  the  Hospital,  and  are  sent  accordingly  as  vacancies 
happen. 

OF  OUT-PENSIONERS. 

THERE  are  at  this  time  near  6000,  who  receive 
allowances  of  4/.  7/.  10/.  147.  and  18/.  per  annum, 
according  to  their  length  of  service,  or  nature 
of  their  respective  cases,  and  are  appointed  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  others  above  mentioned.  After 
their  appointment  they  are  required,  to  take  their 
warrants  to  the  Treasurer's  office  in  the  Hospital, 
where  a  ticket  is  delivered  to  them,  by  which  they 
are  empowered  to  receive  their  pension,  by  quarterly 
payments,  either  at  that  place,  or,  if  they  live  at  a  great 
distance,  from  collectors  of  the  customs,  or  excise,  in 
consequence  of  certificates,  signed  and  transmitted 
by  the  Treasurer,  and  attested  by  the  Steward,  or 
Clerk  of  the  Cheque. 


42  JOTMKS. 

In  addition  to  the  Out-Pension,  by  virtue  of  a»  Act 
of  Parliament  passed  in  the  46th  of  Gwrgc  Ii£  were 
appointed 

10  Captains  at £*0\ 

15  Com»aiKl«r*a* gg  Vper  anaamtadi. 

50  Lieutenants  at    ..........    90> 

7%«  a*o»*  Officers  am  ttykd  w  Me  ^*  "  O«if- 
Penrumert  of  Greenwich  Hogpitol." 

OF  NURSES. 

THERE  are  149,  ^ho  must  be  all  widows  of 
seamen,  and  undo-  the  age  of  forty-fire  years  at  the 
time  of  admission.  They  are  required  to  take  out 
certificates  of  their  husband's  semee  in  the  Navy,  in 
Ae  same  mode  as  the  pensioners,  atid  produce  certi- 
ficates of  their  age  and  marriage  to  the  Board  of 
Admiralty  (on  the  day  «f  examination)  by  whom 
they  ate  appointed.  Their  allowances  are  as  follow: 
Wages  each  \\L  a  year.  Those  wfco  attend  the  w«k 
are  paid  161.  4s.  such- as  are  employed  to  look  after 
the  helpless  pensioner*,  \4t.  14s.  and  such  as  am  in 
ihe  service  of  the  boys  1 64.  4*.  per  yew.  P*o««««6 
and  bedding  liie  same  as  a  pensioner;  aw*  a  grey 
serge  gown  and  petticoat  yearly.  Whewsoperatmnated 
they  are  allowed  20/.  a  year. 


OF  BOYS. 

THIS  establishment  (consisting  of  900),  which  it 
intended  for  the  maintenance  and  education  of  sons 
of  Seamen,  w  solely  under  the  management  of  the  Di* 
rectors,  wh«  in  rotation  nominate  the  boys  for  adtnis- 
skm,  pri«r  to  which  it  must  be  made  t*  appear,  by 
proper  certificates,  that  th«y  are 

•••tons  of  sf&men  between  ten  and  tzexlvc  years  if  «gv, 
objects  vf  charity,  of  sound  btidy  andmindt 

and  able  to  read. 

They  are  educated  in  reading,  writing,  and  navigation; 
and,  after  three  years  residence  at  the  Hospital,  are 
bound  out  for  seven  years  to  the  tea-service  only.  For 
the  better  improvement  of  their  talents,  and  that  they 
may  become  able  seamen  and  good  artists,  they  once  * 
year  bring  specimens  of  their  performances  before  the 
Directors,  \\hen  four  of  them  are  allowed  the  follow- 
ing premiums,  according  to  their  respective  merit,  viz. 

The  best  projected  Map  or  Chart — a  Hadley's  quadrant, 
The  best  draw  ing  after  Nature— ditto 
Ditto— a  case  of  mathematical  instruments 
Ditto— Robertson's  Treatise  on  Navigation. 


.  Their  clothing  is  a  blue  cloth  jacket  and  breeche* 

and   blue  serge  waistcoat,    with  leather  breeches  to 

wear  on  week-days — checked  shirts,  and  black  velv«t 

F  2 


44  BOYS. 

stocks — a  small  round  hat,  and  blue  worsted  stockings. 
When  bound  out,  a  boy  is  furnished  with  two  suits 
of  clothes — a  hat — two  pair  of  shoes — three  pair  of 
worsted  stockings — three  checked  shirts — two  black 
•ilk  handkerchiefs,  and  a  worsted  night-cap — a  flock 
bed  and  pillow — two  blankets — a  coverlet — and  two 
checked  pillow-biers — and  such  religious  and  nautical 
books  and  instruments  as  are  judged  expedient. 

Their  diet  consists  of  fourteen  ounces  of  bread — 
two  ounces  of  cheese— and  a  quart  of  small  beer  each 
day— with  half  a  pound  of  mutton  for  dinner  on  Sun- 
day, Tuesday,  and  Saturday — and  the  same  quantity 
of  beef  on  Thursday — rice-milk  on  Monday — plum- 
pudding  on  Wednesday— and  pease-soup  on  Friday 
—with  an  ounce  of  butter  on  Monday,  Wednesday, 
and  Friday.  Their  meat  is  roasted  on  Sunday — and 
on  this  and  the  other  meat-days  potatoes  are  allowed 
them. 

Bequests  to  the  Charity-Boys. 

£ 
GATON  DEUMMOND,  Esq 50 

Earl  of  PEMBROKE 50 

Capt.  J.  MATTHEWS,  of  the  Navy 500 

JOHN  RGDMON,  Esq 2000 


FORM  OF  BEQUEST. 


I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Commissioners  and  Governors  of  the 
Royal  Hotpilal  for  Seamen  at  Greemoich,  in  the  County  of  'Kent , 
the  Sum  of  £  upon  trust,  t» 

4e  by  them  applied  and  disposed  .of  for  the  benefit  of  the  Charity 
School)  qft  and  belonging  to  the  said  Royal  Hospital,  in  such  way 
as  they  the  said  Commissioners  and  Governors,  or  the  Board  of 
Director*  of  the  said  Hospital  for  the  time  being,  shall  think  fit 
«nd  proper. 

N.  B.  About  3900  Boys  have  been  admitted  from  the  Jirtt  establith- 
ment  to  the  present  time, 


A  LIST  OF  THE 

PRESENT  DIRECTORS. 


Rt.  Hon,  Samuel  Vis.  Hood 
W.Brouiell.  Esq. 
Sir  J.  Colpous.  K.  B. 
Rt.  Hon.  Ld.  Auckland 
John  Cleveland,  Esq. 
Rev.  J.  Cooke,  M.  A. 
William  Palmer,  Esq. 
Sir  Robert  Preston,  Bart. 
John  Yenn,  Esq. 
Sir  W.  Bellikgham,  Bart. 
Sir  F.  I.  Hartu-ell,  Bart. 
•Robert  -Robertson,  M.  D. 
Rt.  Hon .  Charles  Long. 


John  Harrison,  Esq. 

Earl  of  Romney 

Sir  Win.  Geary,  Bart. 

Colonel  Savary 

Geo.  Trenchard  Goodenougk, 

Esq. 

Samuel  Gambier,  Esq. 
Hon.  and  Rev.  Edward  Legget 

L.L.D. 

Sir  R.  Bickerton,  Bart. 
J.  J.  Angersfein,  jun.  Esq. 
Vice- Admiral  Domett 
Sir  Joseph  Sidney  Yorke 


J.  Dyer,  Esq.  Secretary. 
Jot-  Martyr,  Esq.  Solicitor^ 


PRIZE  MONEY. 

AN  Act  of  Parliament  passed,  June  1805,  for  the 
"  Encouragement  of  Seamen,  and  for  the  tetter  nwn- 
ning  His  Majesty's  Navy  during  the  present  War." 

This  Prize-Bill  contains  many  new  regulations  for 
the  better  securing  the  Captor's  interest  ia  the  Cap- 
tures. In  this  Act  it  is  directed  that  the  Seamen,  or 
their  Representatives,  should  make  application  for 
Prize-Money  either  personally,  or  by  Letter,  to  the 
Clerk  of  the  Check's  Office  at  the  Hospital,  and,  if 
the  Documents  are  approved  of,  the  money  is  re- 
mitted to  them  by  Bills  (without  expence)  on  the 
Collectors  of  the  Customs,  or  Excise.  Agents  are 
also  appointed  for  the  same  purpose,  at  the  principal 
Out-ports,  to  promote  the  objects  of  this  salutary 
regulation. 

N.  B.  All  Prize-Money  is  paid  by  'Agents,  after 
four  Months  into  Greenwich  Hospital. 


CHEST  AT  CHATHAM. 

THIS  Charity,  which  was  instituted  for  the  benefit 
of  wounded  Seamen,    was  removed   from  thence   to 


47 

Greenwich  m  the  43d  of  Geo.  III.  It  »  placed  un- 
der the  management  of 

JFbtw  S*pervis9T»r  viz* 

First  Lord  of  th«  Admiralty—  Comptroller  of  the  Navy 
— Governor — and  Auditor  of  Greenwich  Hospital — a 
Secretary,  and 

Five  Directors,  vis. 
Lt.  Gov'.  of  Greenwich  Beapitai  ^100  -\ 

Two  Captains    80  >per  *rv.  each. 

Two  Lieutenants 60  j 

An   Accomptant — a  Surgeon — an  Assistant,    and 
Clerks. 

The  vacancies  of  Directors  are  filled  up  by  the 
Supervisors. 

ROYAL  NAVAL  ASYLUM, 

THIS  Institution,  which  reflects  the  highest  honor 
upon  the  Nation,  is  removed  from  Paddington-Green 
to  Greenwich,  where  a  superb  building  is  now  erecting 
in  the  Park  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Objects  of 
this  Charity,  who  are  to  be  the  children  of  such 
British  sailors  and  marines  who  have  served  in  the 
Royal  Navy. 

There  are  to  be  admitted  800  Boys,  and  200  Girls ; 


48  ROYAL  NAVAL  ASYLUM. 

the  Girls  between. the.  years. of  five  and  ten,  the  Boy* 
between  five  and  twelve. 

The  principal. Officers  are  as  follow  : 

A  Governor,  Auditor, Secretary,  Chaplain,  Surgeon, 
Steward,  two  Matrons,  and  Clerks. 

The  whole  of  this  Institution  is  in  the  patronage, 
and  under  the  direction,  of  twenty-six  Governors,  of. 
whom  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Cumberland 
is  President. 


THE  END. 


Price  One  Shilling. 


Printed  by  W.  Wincnttttr  &  Son, 
<),  Strand,  Lomton. 


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